Lens barrel

ABSTRACT

A lens barrel includes a first frame body, a second frame body, a support frame, and a retracting lens frame. The support frame is supported by the second frame body and moves with respect to the second frame body within a first plane for image blur correction in an imaging enabled state, the first plane being perpendicular to an optical axis. The retracting lens frame moves around a retraction shaft during a transition period between an imaging enabled state and a housed state, the retraction shaft being substantially parallel to the optical axis. The support frame has a protrusion which comes into contact with a groove included in the first frame body and restricts a movable range of the support frame in the first plane and a second plane that is parallel to the first plane.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/447,871, filed on Jul. 31, 2014, which is a continuation applicationof International Application PCT/JP2013/000588, with an internationalfiling date of Feb. 1, 2013 which claims priority to Japanese PatentApplication No. 2012-021380 filed on Feb. 2, 2012 and Japanese PatentApplication No. 2012-021395 filed on Feb. 2, 2012. The entiredisclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/447,871,International Application PCT/JP2013/000588, Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2012-021380, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-021395 arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The technology disclosed herein relates to a lens barrel equipped withan optical system.

Background Information

A lens barrel in which a blur correction lens group chamber was able toretract to the outside of a fourth lens group chamber in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis has been disclosed in the past (seeJapanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2007-163961).

With prior art, in the imaging state, a blur correcting lens groupchamber (corresponds to the retracting lens frame) is shifted anddisplaced by a blur correction mechanism of a third lens group chamberin a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. This reduces imageblur. In the housed state, this blur correcting lens group chamber isretracted outward in the radial direction of fourth lens group chamber.In this state, clearance must be provided between the fourth lens groupchamber and the blur correcting lens group chamber so that the blurcorrecting lens group chamber does not touch the fourth lens groupchamber. This clearance hindered attempts to make the lens barrel morecompact.

The technology disclosed herein was conceived in light of the aboveproblem, and it is an object of the present technology to reduce thesize of a lens barrel.

SUMMARY

The lens barrel herein includes a first frame body including a grooveformed along a direction substantially parallel to an optical axis on aninner circumferential surface; a second frame body configured to beengaged by the first frame body; a support frame configured to besupported by the second frame body and move with respect to the secondframe body within a first plane for image blur correction in an imagingenabled state, the first plane being perpendicular to an optical axis,the support frame having a protrusion protruding outwardly in a radialdirection; and a retracting lens frame configured to be supported by thesupport frame and move around a retraction shaft during a transitionperiod between an imaging enabled state and a housed state, theretraction shaft being substantially parallel to the optical axis. Thesecond frame body, the support frame, and the retracting lens frame areconfigured to move in the optical axis direction with respect to thefirst frame body during the transition period between the imagingenabled state and the housed state. The protrusion comes into contactwith the groove and restricts a movable range of the support frame inthe first plane so that the movable range of the support frame in thetransition period is narrower than the movable range in the imagingenabled state, and the protrusion engages the groove to restrict amovement of the support frame within a second plane that is parallel tothe first plane, during the transition period between the imagingenabled state and the housed state.

The technology disclosed herein provides a lens barrel that can be mademore compact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings, which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a digital camera pertaining to Embodiment1;

FIG. 2 is an oblique view of a lens barrel in its retracted state;

FIG. 3 is an oblique view of the lens barrel in its wide angle state;

FIG. 4 is an exploded oblique view of the lens barrel;

FIG. 5 is an oblique view of a master flange and a shutter unit;

FIG. 6 is a cross section of the master flange and the shutter unit;

FIG. 7 is a detail side view of a retraction cam of the master flange;

FIG. 8 is an oblique view of the shutter unit, an OIS frame, and aretracting lens frame;

FIG. 9 is a detail oblique view of the shutter unit;

FIG. 10 is a diagram in which the OIS frame to which the retracting lensframe has been mounted is viewed from the imaging element side;

FIG. 11 is a cross section of the area near a shaft support;

FIG. 12 is a cross section of the area near an anti-rotation portion;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a rail portion of the OIS frame, and themovement range of a third lens group;

FIG. 14 is an oblique view of the OIS frame to which the retracting lensframe is mounted;

FIG. 15A is a diagram of the OIS frame to which the retracting lensframe is mounted, as viewed from the imaging element side (imagingenabled state);

FIG. 15B is a diagram of the OIS frame to which the retracting lensframe is mounted, as viewed from the imaging element side (retractedstate);

FIG. 16 is a side view of the retracting lens frame;

FIG. 17A is a cross section of the support shaft along a plane that isperpendicular to the axis;

FIG. 17B is a diagram of the correspondence between the retracting lensframe and a rotary spring (part 1);

FIG. 17C is a diagram of the correspondence between the retracting lensframe and a rotary spring (part 2);

FIG. 18 is a cross section of the positional relation between a thirdlens group and a contact portion;

FIG. 19 is a diagram of the layout of an actuator and the retractinglens frame;

FIG. 20 is a simplified cross section of the lens group in its retractedstate;

FIG. 21 is a simplified cross section of the lens group in its wideangle state;

FIG. 22 is a simplified cross section of the lens group in its telephotostate;

FIG. 23 is an oblique view of the lens barrel pertaining to Embodiment2;

FIG. 24 is an exploded oblique view of the lens barrel;

FIG. 25 is a simplified cross section of the lens group in its retractedstate;

FIG. 26 is a simplified cross section of the lens group in its wideangle state;

FIG. 27 is a simplified cross section of the lens group in its telephotostate;

FIG. 28 is an oblique view of a third rectilinear frame;

FIG. 29 is an oblique view of the third rectilinear frame;

FIG. 30 is an oblique view of a shutter frame;

FIG. 31 is an oblique view of the shutter frame, the OIS frame, and theretracting lens frame;

FIG. 32 is an oblique view of the OIS frame;

FIG. 33 is a detail cross section of the state when the retracting lensframe has been engaged with the anti-rotation portion of the OIS framein another embodiment;

FIG. 34 is an oblique view of a digital camera pertaining to Embodiment3;

FIG. 35 is an oblique view of the lens barrel;

FIG. 36 is an exploded oblique view of the lens barrel;

FIG. 37 is an oblique view of a stationary frame;

FIG. 38 is an oblique view of a first rectilinear frame;

FIG. 39 is an oblique view of a first rotary frame;

FIG. 40 is an oblique view of a second rectilinear frame;

FIG. 41 is an oblique view of a second rotary frame;

FIG. 42A is an oblique view of the third rectilinear frame;

FIG. 42B is an oblique view of the third rectilinear frame;

FIG. 43 is a simplified diagram of when the second rectilinear frame,the second rotary frame, and the third rectilinear frame have beenassembled;

FIG. 44 is an oblique view of a first lens group frame;

FIG. 45A is an oblique view of a second lens group frame;

FIG. 45B is a diagram of a second lens group frame as viewed from thefront;

FIG. 45C is an oblique view of the relation between the second lensgroup frame and a sheet member;

FIG. 46A is an oblique view of a shutter frame;

FIG. 46B is a diagram of the shutter frame as viewed from the subjectside;

FIG. 47A is an oblique view of the shutter frame, the OIS frame, and theretracting lens frame;

FIG. 47B is a cross section of the shutter frame, the OIS frame, theretracting lens frame, and the second lens group frame;

FIG. 48A is an oblique view of the OIS frame;

FIG. 48B is a detail cross section of the state when the retracting lensframe has been engaged with the anti-rotation portion of the OIS frame;

FIG. 49A is a cross section of the state when a rotary spring biases theretracting lens frame to the OIS frame;

FIG. 49B is a detail cross section of the contact state between aretraction shaft and a contact face;

FIG. 50A is an oblique view of the relation between the second lensgroup frame and the retracting lens frame (imaging enabled state);

FIG. 50B is an oblique view of the relation between the second lensgroup frame and the retracting lens frame (retracted state);

FIG. 51A is a diagram of the relation between the shutter frame and theretracting lens frame (imaging enabled state);

FIG. 51B is a cross section of the relation between the shutter frameand the retracting lens frame (imaging enabled state);

FIG. 51C is a diagram of the relation between the shutter frame and theretracting lens frame (retracted state);

FIG. 52 is a diagram of the retracting lens frame as viewed from theimaging element side;

FIG. 53 is a simplified cross section of the lens barrel in itsretracted state;

FIG. 54 is a simplified cross section of the lens barrel in its wideangle state;

FIG. 55 is a simplified cross section of the lens barrel in itstelephoto state;

FIG. 56A is a side view of the rotary spring pertaining to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 56B is a side view of the state when the rotary spring pertainingto another embodiment has been mounted to the retracting lens frame; and

FIG. 57 is a detail cross section of the state when the retracting lensframe is engaged with the anti-rotation portion of the OIS frame inanother embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments of the present technology will now be explainedwith reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of theembodiments of the present technology are provided for illustration onlyand not for the purpose of limiting the technology as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

Embodiments will now be described through reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment will be described through reference to FIGS. 1 to 22.The numbers and symbols used in the following description of the firstembodiment correspond to the numbers and symbols in FIGS. 1 to 22.

In the following embodiment, a digital camera will be described as anexample of an imaging device. In the following description, assumingthat the digital camera is in its landscape orientation, the subjectside will be referred to as the “front,” the opposite side from thesubject as the “rear,” the vertically upper side as “upper,” thevertically lower side as “lower,” the right side when facing the subjectas “right,” and the left side when facing the subject as “left.”“Landscape orientation” is a kind of orientation of a digital camera,and when an image is captured in landscape orientation, the long-sidedirection of a rectangular image that is wider than it is tallsubstantially coincides with the horizontal direction within the image.

1. Overall Configuration of Digital Camera

The configuration of a digital camera 1 will be described throughreference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an oblique view of the digitalcamera 1. FIGS. 2 and 3 are oblique views of a lens barrel 20. In FIG.2, the lens barrel 20 is shown in its retracted state, and in FIG. 3,the lens barrel 20 is shown in its wide angle state.

As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 1 comprises a housing 10 and thelens barrel 20.

The housing 10 is made up of a front panel 11, a rear panel 12, and aside panel 13. An opening 10S is formed in the front panel 11.

The lens barrel 20 comprises a three-stage telescoping zoom mechanism.The lens barrel 20 is housed in the housing 10 when not being used forimaging, and is deployed forward from the opening 10S when used forimaging. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lens barrel20 has a first movable lens barrel part 21, a second movable lens barrelpart 22, a third movable lens barrel part 23, and a stationary lensbarrel part 24.

The first movable lens barrel part 21 is configured to deploy withrespect to the stationary lens barrel part 24. The second movable lensbarrel part 22 is configured to deploy with respect to the first movablelens barrel part 21. The third movable lens barrel part 23 is configuredto deploy with respect to the second movable lens barrel part 22. Thestationary lens barrel part 24 is fixed inside the housing 10. As shownin FIG. 3, when the lens barrel 20 is deployed, the third movable lensbarrel part 23 is positioned the farthest forward out of the first tothird movable lens barrel parts 21 to 23.

2. Configuration of Lens Barrel

Next, the configuration of the lens barrel 20 will be described throughreference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is an exploded oblique view of thelens barrel 20.

The first to third movable lens barrel parts 21 to 23 of the lens barrel20 are deployed from the stationary lens barrel part 24 along theoptical axis AX of the optical system. The optical system includes firstto fifth lens groups L1 to L5. In the following description, a directionparallel to the optical axis AX will be called the “optical axisdirection,” a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction willbe called the “radial direction,” and a direction that follows a circlewhose center is the optical axis AX will be called the “peripheraldirection.” The optical axis AX substantially coincides with the axis ofthe various frames that make up the lens barrel 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lens barrel 20 comprises a stationary frame 100,a master flange 105, a first rectilinear frame 110, a second rectilinearframe 120, a third rectilinear frame 130, a first rotary frame 210, asecond rotary frame 220, a first cosmetic frame 310, a second cosmeticframe 320, a second lens group frame F2, a third lens group frame F3, afourth lens group frame F4, and a fifth lens group frame F5.

In this embodiment, the stationary frame 100 and the master flange 105constitute the stationary lens barrel part 24. The first rectilinearframe 110 constitutes the third movable lens barrel part 23. The thirdrectilinear frame 130, the first rotary frame 210, and the secondcosmetic frame 320 constitute the second movable lens barrel part 22.The second rectilinear frame 120 and the second rotary frame 220constitute the first movable lens barrel part 21.

The stationary frame 100 is in the form of a cylinder. The stationaryframe 100 has a rectilinear groove a1 and a cam groove b1 formed in itsinner peripheral face. A zoom motor 101 and a zoom gear 102 are attachedto the outer peripheral face of the stationary frame 100. The zoom motor101 is a drive source for deploying the first to third movable lensbarrel parts 21 to 23. The zoom gear 102 transmits the drive force ofthe zoom motor 101 to the second rotary frame 220.

The master flange 105 is a flat plastic member that covers the rear ofthe stationary frame 100. An imaging element 103 is fitted in the centerof a master flange 244.

The first rectilinear frame 110 is in the form of a cylinder, and isdisposed on the outside of the first rotary frame 210. The firstrectilinear frame 110 has a rectilinear groove a2 and a cam protrusionB2. The rectilinear groove a2 is formed along the optical axis directionon the inner peripheral face. The cam protrusion B2 is disposed at therear end of the inner peripheral face. The cam protrusion B2 is engagedwith a cam groove b2 of the first rotary frame 210 (discussed below).The first rectilinear frame 110 supports the first lens group L1 forbringing light into the lens barrel 20. The first rectilinear frame 110is covered by the first cosmetic frame 310.

The second rectilinear frame 120 is in the form of a cylinder, and isdisposed on the inside of the first rectilinear frame 110. The secondrectilinear frame 120 has a flange 121, a rectilinear protrusion A1, abayonet protrusion E1, a rectilinear protrusion A31, a rectilineargroove a32, and a cam groove b3. The flange 121 is formed in an annularshape, and is provided to the rear end part of the outer peripheralface. The rectilinear protrusion A1 is provided to the outer peripheralface of the flange 121. The rectilinear protrusion A1 is engaged withthe rectilinear groove a1 of the stationary frame 100. The bayonetprotrusion E1 is provided to the outer peripheral face of the flange121. The bayonet protrusion E1 is engaged with a bayonet groove e1 ofthe second rotary frame 220 (discussed below). The rectilinearprotrusion A31 is formed on the outer peripheral face along the opticalaxis direction. The rectilinear protrusion A31 is engaged with therectilinear groove a32 of the third rectilinear frame 130 (discussedbelow). The rectilinear groove a32 is formed in the outer peripheralface along the rectilinear protrusion A31. A rectilinear protrusion A32of the third rectilinear frame 130 (discussed below) is engaged with therectilinear groove a32. The cam groove b3 is formed in the outerperipheral face so as to intersect with the optical axis direction.

The third rectilinear frame 130 is in the form of a cylinder, and isdisposed on the inside of the second rectilinear frame 120. The thirdrectilinear frame 130 has a rectilinear protrusion A2, the rectilinearprotrusion A32, a rectilinear groove a31, a bayonet protrusion E2, athrough-groove c1, and a through-groove c2. The rectilinear protrusionA2 is provided to the front end part of the outer peripheral face. Therectilinear protrusion A2 is engaged with the rectilinear groove a2 ofthe first rectilinear frame 110. The rectilinear protrusion A32 isformed in the outer peripheral face along the optical axis direction.The rectilinear protrusion A32 is engaged with the rectilinear groovea32 of the second rectilinear frame 120. The rectilinear groove a31 isformed in the outer peripheral face along the rectilinear protrusionA32. The rectilinear protrusion A31 of the second rectilinear frame 120is engaged with the rectilinear groove a31. The bayonet protrusion E2 isformed on the outer peripheral face along the peripheral direction. Thebayonet protrusion E2 is engaged with a bayonet groove e2 of the firstrotary frame 210 (discussed below). The through-groove c1 and thethrough-groove c2 pass through the frame main body from the innerperipheral face to the outer peripheral face, and are formed along theoptical axis direction.

The first rotary frame 210 is in the form of a cylinder, and is disposedon the inside of the first rectilinear frame 110. The first rotary frame210 has a bayonet protrusion E3, a rectilinear protrusion A4, a camprotrusion B3, the cam groove b2, a cam groove b4, and a cam groove b5.The bayonet protrusion E3 is formed at the rear end part of the outerperipheral face, along the peripheral direction. The bayonet protrusionE3 is engaged with a bayonet groove e3 of the second cosmetic frame 320(discussed below). The rectilinear protrusion A4 is provided to theouter peripheral face of the bayonet protrusion E3. The rectilinearprotrusion A4 is engaged with a rectilinear groove a4 of the secondrotary frame 220 (discussed below). The cam protrusion B3 is disposed onthe inner peripheral face. The cam protrusion B3 is engaged with the camgroove b3 of the second rectilinear frame 120. The cam groove b2 isformed in the outer peripheral face so as to intersect with the opticalaxis direction. The cam groove b4 and the cam groove b5 are formed inthe inner peripheral face so as to intersect with the optical axisdirection. The second rotary frame 220 is in the form of a cylinder, andis disposed on the inside of the stationary frame 100. The second rotaryframe 220 has a gear part 221, a cam protrusion B1, the rectilineargroove a4, and the bayonet groove e1. The gear part 221 is formed at therear end part of the outer peripheral face, along the peripheraldirection. When the gear part 221 meshes with a zoom gear 242, thesecond rotary frame 220 is rotated in the peripheral direction by thedrive force of the zoom motor 101. The cam protrusion B1 is engaged withthe cam groove b1 of the stationary frame 100. The rectilinear groove a4is formed in the inner peripheral face along the optical axis direction.The rectilinear protrusion A4 of the first rotary frame 210 is engagedwith the rectilinear groove a4. The bayonet groove e1 is formed at therear end part of the inner peripheral face, along the peripheraldirection. The bayonet protrusion E1 of the first rectilinear frame 110is engaged with the bayonet groove e1.

The first cosmetic frame 310 covers the front face and the outerperiphery of the first rectilinear frame 110. An opening is formed inthe first cosmetic frame 310 for bringing light in from the outside. Thefirst lens group L1 is disposed inside the opening in the firstrectilinear frame 110.

The second cosmetic frame 320 is in the form of a cylinder, and isdisposed on the outside of the first rotary frame 210. The secondcosmetic frame 320 has a rectilinear protrusion A41 and the bayonetgroove e3. The rectilinear protrusion A4 is provided to the rear endpart of the outer peripheral face. The rectilinear protrusion A41 isengaged with the rectilinear groove a4 of the second rotary frame 220.The bayonet groove e3 is formed at the rear end part of the innerperipheral face, along the peripheral direction. The bayonet protrusionE3 of the first rotary frame 210 is engaged with the bayonet groove e3.

The second lens group frame F2 is in the form of a disk, and is disposedon the inside of the third rectilinear frame 130. The second lens groupframe F2 supports a second lens group L2 used for zooming. The secondlens group frame F2 has a cam protrusion B4 that is provided on theouter peripheral face. The cam protrusion B4 is inserted into thethrough-groove c1 of the third rectilinear frame 130, and is engagedwith the cam groove b4 of the first rotary frame 210.

The third lens group frame F3 has a shutter unit and an OIS (opticalimage stabilizer) unit. The shutter unit supports the OIS unit. Theshutter frame is in the form of a cylinder, and is disposed on theinside of the third rectilinear frame 130. The third lens group frame F3has a built-in shutter mechanism. The third lens group frame F3 has acam protrusion B5 that is provided on the outer peripheral face. The camprotrusion B5 is inserted into the through-groove c2 of the thirdrectilinear frame 130, and is engaged with the cam groove b5 of thefirst rotary frame 210.

The OIS (optical image stabilizer) unit mainly has an OIS frame 400 anda retracting lens frame 401.

The OIS frame 400 is mounted to a shutter frame 335. The OIS frame 400is movable within a plane that is perpendicular to the optical axis. Forexample, the OIS frame 400 is moved by an actuator within a plane thatis perpendicular to the optical axis.

The retracting lens frame 401 is supported by the OIS frame 400 so as tobe movable around a retraction shaft that is substantially parallel tothe optical axis. The retracting lens frame 401 supports a third lensgroup L3 that is used for image blur correction. The third lens group L3is made up of at least one lens. The position of the retracting lensframe 401 is changed from a correction enabled position (firstorientation) in which the third lens group L3 executes image blurcorrection, to a retracted position (second orientation) in which thethird lens group L3 is retracted from the optical axis.

The fourth lens group frame F4 is supported by the stationary frame 100.The fourth lens group frame F4 supports a fourth lens group L4 that isused for focusing.

The fifth lens group frame F5 is supported by the master flange 105. Thefifth lens group frame F5 supports a fifth lens group L5.

3. Detailed Configuration of Members Constituting the Lens Barrel

A summary of the various members was given in “2. Configuration of LensBarrel,” but here the configuration of the master flange 105 and theconfiguration of the third lens group frame F3 will be described infurther detail.

3-1. Master Flange

As shown in FIG. 5, the master flange 105 has a master flange main bodyportion 106 (an example of a first main body portion), a master flangerestrictor 107 (first restrictor), a first retracting cam 125, and asecond retracting cam 126. The first main body portion 106 is in theform of a disk. The above-mentioned imaging element 103 is mounted inthe center of the first main body portion 106.

The first restrictor 107 restricts the movement of the OIS frame 400.More precisely, the first restrictor 107 engages with an OIS unit 251and restricts the movement of the OIS frame 400. More specifically, thefirst restrictor 107 engages with an OIS unit 251 and restricts themovement of the OIS frame 400 when the lens barrel 20 changes from theimaging enabled state to the retracted state (or when the lens barrel 20changes from the retracted state to the imaging enabled state).

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first restrictor 107 is formed integrallywith the first main body portion 106. The first restrictor 107 isconstituted by two protrusions 108 that protrude outward from the firstmain body portion 106. The two protrusions 108 engage with the OIS frame400 of the OIS unit 251. As shown in FIG. 6, the two protrusions 108come into contact with the inner peripheral part 120 a of the secondrectilinear frame 120. This prevents the two protrusions 108 fromfalling over.

A sloped part is formed on the inner peripheral side of the distal endsof the protrusions 108. These sloped parts guide the OIS frame 400 froma movable orientation in which the OIS frame 400 is movable (theorientation of the imaging enabled state), to a movement restrictedorientation in which the movement of the OIS frame 400 is restricted.

The inner peripheral parts on the proximal end side of the protrusions(the portion excluding the above-mentioned distal end (sloped part) andincluding the middle part) are formed in a planar shape. The innerperipheral parts are the portions that support the OIS frame 400 in itsmovement restricted orientation. In-plane movement of the OIS frame 400is reliably restricted by guiding the OIS frame 400 from the slopedparts on the distal end side to the inner peripheral part on theproximal end side. The way in which the in-plane movement of the OISframe 400 is restricted will be described in detail in the descriptionof the OIS frame 400 (engagement portion).

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first retracting cam 125 is a portionthat is longer in one direction and formed integrally with the masterflange 105. The first retracting cam 125 has a first guide portion 125a, a second guide portion 125 b, and a support portion 125 c.

The first guide portion 125 a comes into contact with a pressing portion605 of the retracting lens frame 401, and retracts the retracting lensframe 401. The first guide portion 125 a is a portion that is formedinclined to the distal end of the first retracting cam 125.

In a state in which the first guide portion 125 a is in contact with thepressing portion 605, the OIS frame 400 is guided by the protrusions 108from its movable orientation in which the OIS frame 400 is movable (theorientation of the imaging enabled state), to an orientation in whichthe movement of the OIS frame 400 is restricted (movement restrictedorientation).

The second guide portion 125 b comes into contact with the pressingportion 605 of the retracting lens frame 401, and further retracts theretracting lens frame 401. The second guide portion 125 b is formedcontinuously with the first guide portion 125 a, and is formed at adifferent angle from that of the first guide portion 125 a. In a statein which the second guide portion 125 b is in contact with the pressingportion 605 of the retracting lens frame 401, the OIS frame 400 is inits movement restricted orientation.

The support portion 125 c is the portion that temporarily supports theretracting lens frame 401 in its retracted position. The retracting lensframe 401 is finally positioned by the second retracting cam 126(discussed below). The support portion 125 c is formed straight in theoptical axis direction. In a state in which the support portion 125 chas come into contact with the pressing portion 605 of the retractinglens frame 401, the OIS frame 400 is in its movement restrictedorientation.

The first retracting cam 125 is the portion that finally positions theretracting lens frame 401. As shown in FIG. 5, the second retracting cam126 is formed between the two protrusions 108. The first retracting cam125 has a sloped part. This sloped part guides the retracting lens frame401 to the retracted position and positions it in the retractedposition.

3-2. Third Lens Group Frame 3-2-1. Shutter Unit

As shown in FIG. 8, a shutter unit 250 is included in the third lensgroup frame F3. The shutter unit 250 (an example of a second frame body)is engaged with the third rectilinear frame 130 and the first rotaryframe 210 as mentioned above. Also, the shutter unit 250 is supported bythe master flange 105 (an example of a first frame body).

As shown in FIG. 9, the shutter unit 250 has a restrictor 420 (secondrestrictor) for restricting the movement of the OIS frame 400, and asecond stress dispersion portion 422 (the contact portion of the shutterunit) that comes into contact with a first stress dispersion portion 511(the contact portion of the OIS frame) of the OIS frame 400 (discussedbelow). The second stress dispersion portion 422 is formed in an arcshape having a specific width. The details of the first stressdispersion portion 511 will be discussed below.

The shutter unit 250 further has a step portion 423. The step portion423 is formed on the face opposite the OIS frame 400. When theretracting lens frame 401 has changed its orientation (position) fromthe first orientation to the second orientation (retracted orientation),a housing portion 550 of the retracting lens frame 401 (discussed below)is disposed at the step portion 423. This affords a more compact size inthe optical axis direction.

3-2-2. OIS Unit

As shown in FIG. 8, the shutter unit 250 is included in the third lensgroup frame F3. The OIS unit 251 is disposed between the master flange105 and the shutter unit 250. The OIS unit 251 is mounted to the shutterunit 250. The OIS unit 251 (an example of a first unit) has the OISframe 400 (an example of a support frame), the retracting lens frame401, a thrust spring 402 (an example of a first biasing means), and arotary spring 403 (an example of a second biasing means, and an exampleof a biasing member).

OIS Frame

The OIS frame 400 (an example of a support frame) is supported by theshutter unit 250. The OIS frame 400 is configured to be movable within aplane that is perpendicular to the optical axis AX, with respect to theshutter unit 250. The OIS frame 400 is moved by an actuator 520 in aplane that is perpendicular to the optical axis AX.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 to 13, the OIS frame 400 has a main bodyportion 500 (second main body portion), a retraction shaft portion 501,an anti-rotation portion 502, at least three rail portions 503, andengagement portions 504 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

As shown in FIG. 8, the second main body portion 500 is substantially inthe form of a disk. The second main body portion 500 has the housingportion 550 for housing the retracting lens frame 401. The housingportion 550 has two linking portions 550 a that are opposite each other.The linking portions 550 a are formed integrally with the second mainbody portion 500. More precisely, the linking portions 550 a are formedintegrally with the second main body portion 500 so that the middlebetween the two linking portions 550 a is disposed in the approximatemiddle of the shutter unit 250 in the optical axis direction (theapproximate middle in the thickness direction).

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the retraction shaft portion 501 is formedon the second main body portion 500. The retraction shaft portion 501has a cylindrical part 501 a and a retraction shaft 501 b. Thecylindrical part 501 a is formed on the outer peripheral part of thesecond main body portion 500. The retraction shaft 501 b is formed onthe second main body portion 500. More specifically, the retractionshaft 501 b is formed on the second main body portion 500 so as toprotrude toward the inside of the cylindrical part 501 a.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the anti-rotation portion 502 restricts themovement of the retraction shaft portion 501 produced by the rotaryspring 403. The anti-rotation portion 502 is formed protruding outwardfrom the second main body portion 500. The anti-rotation portion 502 hasa sloped face 502 a. The sloped face 502 a is the portion that guidesthe retracting lens frame 401 toward the OIS frame 400 (the second mainbody portion 500). The sloped face 502 a is sloped in a state of beingopposite the second main body portion 500. In other words, the slopedface 502 a is sloped with respect to the optical axis AX.

An example in which the sloped face 502 a was sloped at one angle wasgiven here, but the sloped face 502 a may be formed so that it is slopedin multiple steps. Also, the sloped face 502 a may be formed so that itslopes in the form of a curved surface.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, at least three rail portions 503 (503 a to503 c, for example) are formed on the second main body portion 500. Therail portions 503 are formed on one face of the substantiallydisk-shaped second main body portion 500. The rail portions 503 areformed on the second main body portion 500 at positions opposite contactportions 603 (a first contact portion 603A and a second contact portion603B; discussed below) formed on the retracting lens frame 401.

Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the rail portions 503 are formed on thesecond main body portion 500 in a portion that excludes a portion RMwhere the range over which the third lens group L3 supported by theretracting lens frame 401 moves is projected onto the second main bodyportion 500, when the OIS frame 400 is viewed in the optical axisdirection. Furthermore, the rail portions 503 are formed in a shape thatcorresponds to the path over when the contact portions 603 (the firstcontact portion 603A and the second contact portion 603B; discussedbelow) move when the lens barrel 20 changes from its imaging enabledstate to its retracted state.

As discussed above, the engagement portions 504 engage with the firstrestrictor 107 formed on the master flange 105, such as the twoprotrusions 108 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). As shown in FIGS. 10 and 14, theengagement portions 504 are formed integrally with the second main bodyportion 500. More specifically, the engagement portions 504 are portionsthat protrude outward from the outer peripheral part of the second mainbody portion 500. These two engagement portion 504 respectively engagewith the two protrusions 108 of the master flange 105. Morespecifically, the engagement portions 504 are pressed by the protrusions108 of the master flange 105. This restricts the in-plane movement ofthe OIS frame 400.

More precisely, as shown in FIG. 6, when the lens barrel 20 changes fromits imaging enabled state to its retracted state, the OIS frame 400moves in the optical axis direction with respect to the shutter unit250. The two protrusions 108 of the master flange 105 then respectivelyengage with the two protrusions of the OIS frame 400, which restrictsthe in-plane movement of the OIS frame 400. More precisely, first theengagement portions 504 respectively come into contact with the slopedfaces formed on the inner peripheral side of the distal ends of theprotrusions 108, such as the inner peripheral side of the distal ends ofthe protrusions 108. Next, the engagement portions 504 come into contactwith the inner peripheral parts on the proximal end side of theprotrusions 108 (the portion excluding the distal ends and including themiddle). This guides the OIS frame 400 from the above-mentioned movableorientation to the movement restricted orientation, and restricts thein-plane movement of the OIS frame 400 in the movement restrictedorientation.

In the overall configuration, when the lens barrel 20 changes from itsimaging enabled state to its retracted state, the shutter unit 250 andthe OIS unit 251 move in the optical axis direction with respect to themaster flange 105. This movement of the shutter unit 250 and the OISunit 251 in the optical axis direction causes the master flange 105 toengage with the OIS frame 400 as discussed above, and restricts thein-plane movement of the OIS frame 400.

As shown in FIG. 14, the OIS frame 400 further has a restricted portion510 and the first stress dispersion portion 511. The restricted portion510 is the portion that receives the restrictor 420 of the shutter unit250. Here, when the restrictor 420 is disposed in the interior of therestricted portion 510, the movement of the second main body portion 500in the optical axis direction is restricted with respect to the shutterunit 250. Meanwhile, the OIS frame 400 is movable within the plane thatis perpendicular to the optical axis AX with respect to the shutter unit250.

The first stress dispersion portion 511 is the portion that comes intocontact with the shutter unit 250 when the pressing portion 605 of theretracting lens frame 401 (discussed below) is pressed. The first stressdispersion portion 511 is provided to the OIS frame 400 at a positioncloser to the pressing portion 605 than the restricted portion 510. Thefirst stress dispersion portion 511 is formed in an arc shape having aspecific width. Here, the width of the first stress dispersion portion511 is less than the width of the second stress dispersion portion 422.However, the second stress dispersion portion 422 may be formed so thatits width becomes less than the width of the first stress dispersionportion 511.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the OIS frame 400 further has ananti-detachment portion 530 (restrictor of the OIS frame 400). Theanti-detachment portion 530 is the portion that restricts detachment ofthe retracting lens frame 401 from the OIS frame 400 (the second mainbody portion 500). The anti-detachment portion 530 is formed integrallywith the retraction shaft portion 501. The anti-detachment portion 530is provided a specific distance away from the second main body portion500. The anti-detachment portion 530 is formed near the retraction shaft501 b.

Retracting Lens Frame

The retracting lens frame 401 supports at least one lens. As shown inFIGS. 15A and 15B, the retracting lens frame 401 supports the third lensgroup L3, which is made up of four lenses. The retracting lens frame 401is supported by the OIS frame 400 (see FIG. 10). The retracting lensframe 401 moves around the retraction shaft 501 b, which issubstantially parallel to the optical axis AX, when retracting.Consequently, the retracting lens frame 401 is disposed at a positionthat is shifted from the optical axis AX during retraction.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the retracting lens frame 401 movesaround the retraction shaft 501 b (axis JX) that is substantiallyparallel to the optical axis AX, when the lens barrel 20 changes fromits imaging enabled state to its retracted state. More precisely, theposition of the retracting lens frame 401 changes from a firstorientation in which the third lens group L3 executes shake correction,to a second orientation in which the third lens group L3 is retractedfrom the optical axis AX, when the lens barrel 20 changes from itsimaging enabled state to its retracted state.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the retracting lens frame 401 has a mainbody portion 600 (third main body portion 600) of the retracting lensframe 401, a shaft support 601 (an example of a bearing), a lens support602, and the plurality of contact portions 603 (603A to 603C). The shaftsupport 601 is the portion that engages with the above-mentionedretraction shaft 501 b (see FIG. 11). The shaft support 601 rotatablysupports the retraction shaft 50 lb. The shaft support 601 is a holeinto which the retraction shaft 501 b is inserted, and this hole isformed in the third main body portion 600.

As shown in FIG. 17, the shaft support 601 (hole) has at least twocontact faces 601 a that come into contact with the retraction shaft 501b. More precisely, the two contact faces 601 a are formed on the innerperipheral face of the shaft support 601. The two contact faces 601 aare formed on the shaft support 601 on the proximal end side of theretraction shaft 501 b, that is, on the opening side of the shaftsupport 601 (hole) (see FIG. 11). The two contact faces 601 a are formedon the inner peripheral face of the shaft support 601 so as to be in amutually non-parallel relation. More specifically, when viewed in thedepth direction, the shaft support 601 (hole) is formed in the innerperipheral face of the shaft support 601 so that the two contact faces601 a are at an angle.

As shown in FIG. 17A, the two contact faces 601 a (hereinafter referredto as V-faces) come into contact with the outer peripheral face of theretraction shaft 501 b. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 17A, theretracting lens frame 401 is biased by the biasing force F0 of therotary spring 403, and the component force F1 of this biasing force F0causes the V-faces 601 a formed on the shaft support 601 of theretracting lens frame 401 to come into contact with the outer peripheralface of the retraction shaft 501 b. This allows the retraction shaft 501b to be positioned accurately with respect to the shaft support 601 ofthe retracting lens frame 401.

More precisely, precision with respect to the eccentricity of theretraction shaft 501 b can be improved. In FIG. 17A, F1 and F2 arecomponents of the biasing force F0.

The lens support 602 shown in FIG. 16 is the portion that supports thethird lens group L3 (four lenses). The lens support 602 is substantiallyin cylindrical in form, and supports the third lens group L3 on itsinner peripheral part. In a state in which the retracting lens frame 401has been mounted to the shutter unit 250, the lens support 602 isdisposed in the approximate middle of the shutter unit 250 in theoptical axis direction (the approximate middle in the thicknessdirection).

The plurality of contact portions 603 shown in FIG. 16 are, for example,made up of three first contact portions 603A (603A1, 603A2, and 603A3),the second contact portion 603B, and a third contact portion 603C. Thethree first contact portions 603A, the second contact portion 603B, andthe third contact portion 603C are formed on the third main body portion600 at different positions from the shaft support 601. In other words,the three first contact portions 603A, the second contact portion 603B,and the third contact portion 603C are formed on the third main bodyportion 600 at different positions from the retraction shaft 501 bsupported by the shaft support 601. Also, the three first contactportions 603A, the second contact portion 603B, and the third contactportion 603C are formed on the third main body portion 600 at differentpositions from the retraction shaft 501 b so as to allow contact withthe OIS frame 400.

More precisely, two of the contact portions 603A1 and 603A2 of the threefirst contact portions 603A, and the second contact portion 603B areformed on the third main body portion 600 near the retraction shaft 501b. The two contact portions 603A1 and 603A2 are formed on the third mainbody portion 600 so that the retraction shaft 501 b is positionedbetween these two contact portions 603A1 and 603A2.

The second contact portion 603B is formed on the third main body portion600 so that the retraction shaft 501 b is positioned between one of thetwo contact portions 603A1 and 603A2 and the second contact portion603B. Also, the other first contact portion 603A3 besides these twocontact portions 603A1 and 603A2, and the third contact portion 603C areformed on the third main body portion 600 at positions that are awayfrom the retraction shaft 501 b.

As shown in FIG. 16, a specific first contact portion 603A (603A3) isformed on the third main body portion 600 so that the angle formed by afirst line segment LN1 that connects the optical axis AX of the thirdlens group L3 supported by the lens support 602 to a specific firstcontact portion 603A, and a second line segment LN2 that connects theoptical axis AX of the third lens group L3 supported by the lens support602 to the retraction shaft 501 b becomes an obtuse angle. The “specificfirst contact portion 603A” is at least one contact portion from amongthe three first contact portions 603A. Here, the first contact portion603A3 formed at the position farthest away from the retraction shaft 501b corresponds to the specific first contact portion.

In other words, the first contact portion formed at the positionfarthest away from the retraction shaft 501 b is formed on the thirdmain body portion 600 so that a specific straight line LN3 is disposedbetween the retraction shaft 501 b and the above-mentioned specificfirst contact portion 603A. The specific straight line LN3 passesthrough the optical axis AX of the third lens group L3 supported by thelens support 602, and is perpendicular to the second line segment LN2that connects the retraction shaft 501 b to the optical axis AX of thethird lens group L3 supported by the lens support 602.

As shown in FIG. 18, at least one of the three first contact portions603A (603A1, 603A2, and 603A3), the second contact portion 603B, and thethird contact portion 603C is formed on the third main body portion 600so as to overlap the third lens group L3 in a direction perpendicular tothe optical axis AX. In other words, at least one of the three firstcontact portions 603A, the second contact portion 603B, and the thirdcontact portion 603C is provided to the retracting lens frame 401 so asto overlap the third lens group L3 within a range D of the thickness ofthe third lens group L3. Here, the three first contact portions 603A,the second contact portion 603B, and the third contact portion 603C areprovided to the retracting lens frame 401 so as to overlap the thirdlens group L3 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis AX withinthe range D of the thickness of the third lens group L3. Here, at leastthree of the three first contact portions 603A (603A1, 603A2, and603A3), the second contact portion 603B, and the third contact portion603C is configured to come into contact with the OIS frame 400.Specifically, if at least three contact portions out of the three firstcontact portions 603A and the second contact portion 603B come intocontact with the OIS frame 400, this restricts the movement of theretracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis direction.

More precisely, if at least three contact portions out of the threefirst contact portions 603A and the second contact portion 603B comeinto contact with the rail portions 503 of the OIS frame 400 (see FIG.14), this restricts the movement of the retracting lens frame 401 in theoptical axis direction. More specifically, when the lens barrel 20 is inits imaging enabled state, the three first contact portions 603A1,603A2, and 603A3 respectively come into contact with the rail portions503 a, 503 b, and 503 c of the OIS frame 400. Here, the first contactportion 603A1 comes into contact with the rail portion 503 a, the firstcontact portion 603A2 comes into contact with the rail portion 503 b,and the first contact portion 603A3 comes into contact with the railportion 503 c. In this case, the second contact portion 603B does notcome into contact with the rail portions 503.

On the other hand, when the lens barrel 20 is in its retracted state,the two first contact portions 603A2 and 603A3 and the second contactportion 603B respectively come into contact with the rail portions 503a, 503 b, and 503 c of the OIS frame 400. Here, when the lens barrel 20has changed from the imaging enabled state to the retracted state, oneof the three first contact portions 603A, such as the first contactportion 603A1, separates from the rail portion 503, and the secondcontact portion 603B comes into contact with that rail portion 503. Thushaving at least three contact portions out of the three first contactportions 603A and the second contact portion 603B come into contact withthe rail portions 503 of the OIS frame 400 reliably restricts themovement of the retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis direction.

The third contact portion 603C comes into contact with the OIS frame 400when the lens barrel 20 changes from the imaging enabled state to theretracted state. This will be discussed in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 16, the retracting lens frame 401 further has thepressing portion 605 and an engagement portion 606. The pressing portion605 is the portion that is pressed when the retracting lens frame 401changes from the imaging enabled state to the retracted state. Moreprecisely, when the retracting lens frame 401 changes from the imagingenabled state to the retracted state, the pressing portion 605 ispressed by the first retracting cam 125 and the second retracting cam126 provided to the master flange (see FIG. 5). When the pressingportion 605 is thus pressed, the load exerted on the restrictor 420 andthe restricted portion 510 is limited by allowing the first stressdispersion portion 511 (FIG. 14) and the second stress dispersionportion 422 (see FIG. 9) to come into contact with each other.

The engagement portion 606 is the portion that engages with theanti-detachment portion 530. At the retracting lens frame 401, if theengagement portion 606 is disposed between the second main body portion500 (the main body portion of the OIS frame 400) and the anti-detachmentportion 530 (see FIG. 11), detachment of the retracting lens frame 401in the optical axis direction is restricted. As shown in FIG. 16, theengagement portion 606 is formed integrally with the shaft support 601.The engagement portion 606 is formed in an arc shape. A cut-out 606 c isformed in the engagement portion 606. The engagement portion 606 isdisposed between the anti-detachment portion 530 and the third main bodyportion 600 by introducing the anti-detachment portion 530 into thecut-out 606 c.

Thrust Spring

The thrust spring 402 is a spring that biases the retracting lens frame401 with respect to the OIS frame 400. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, thethrust spring 402 is mounted to the OIS frame 400 and/or the retractinglens frame 401.

The thrust spring 402 has a pair of opposing parts 440 and a linkingportion 441 that links the two opposing parts 440. One of the twoopposing parts 440 (the first opposing part 440 a) is mounted to the OISframe 400, and the other opposing part 440 (the second opposing part 440b) is mounted to the retracting lens frame 401. More precisely, as shownin FIG. 11, in a state in which the retraction shaft 501 b of the OISframe 400 is supported by the shaft support 601 of the retracting lensframe 401, the first opposing part 440 a is mounted to the OIS frame400, and the second opposing part 440 b is mounted to the retractinglens frame 401. Consequently, the thrust spring 402 clamps the OIS frame400 and the retracting lens frame 401.

Consequently, the thrust spring 402 brings at least two of the contactportions 603 into contact with the OIS frame 400. Here, the thrustspring 402 brings at least two of the contact portions out of the twofirst contact portions 603A (603A1 and 603A2) and the second contactportion 603B formed near the retraction shaft 501 b (the shaft support601) into contact with the OIS frame 400.

Rotary Spring

The rotary spring 403 is a spring that biases the retracting lens frame401 around the retraction shaft 501 b. The rotary spring 403 shown inFIG. 8 is supported by the OIS frame 400. The rotary spring 403 is atorsion coil spring, for example. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 17B, aportion 403 c of the coil of the rotary spring 403 (the coil part) ismounted around the outside of the cylindrical part 501 a of theretraction shaft portion 501. One end 403 a of the rotary spring 403 ismounted in a groove 444 formed in the OIS frame 400. The other end 403 bof the rotary spring 403 is mounted in a groove 445 formed in theretracting lens frame 401.

When the rotary spring 403 biases the retracting lens frame 401, thethird contact portion 603C of the retracting lens frame 401 comes intocontact with the sloped face 502 a of the OIS frame 400. The thirdcontact portion 603C is then guided by the sloped face 502 a, and theretracting lens frame 401 approaches the OIS frame 400. This positionsthe retracting lens frame 401 with respect to the OIS frame 400. In thisstate, the first contact portion 603A3 is in contact with the OIS frame400.

As shown in FIG. 17b , in this embodiment, when the rotary spring 403 isviewed in the center axis direction of the coil part 403 c, the otherend 403B of the rotary spring 403 is in the form of a straight line.Instead, as shown in FIG. 17C, the distal end 403 b 2 of the other end403B of the rotary spring 403 may be bent with respect to the proximalend 403 b 1 (the portion near the coil part 403 c).

More specifically, using the proximal end 403 b 1 of the rotary spring403 as a reference, the distal end 403 b 2 of the rotary spring 403 isbent. In other words, using the proximal end 403 b 1 as a reference, thedistal end 403 b 2 is bent in the rotation direction of the retractinglens frame 401. Even more specifically, using the proximal end 403 b 1as a reference, the distal end 403 b 2 is bent so as to move closer tothe coil part 403 c.

In this case, a spring receiver 607 is formed on the retracting lensframe 401, and the distal end 403 b 2 of the other end 403B of therotary spring 403 comes into contact with this spring receiver 607.

As a result of this configuration, as shown in FIG. 17C, the componentforce F1′ of the biasing force F0′ of the rotary spring 403 causes theV-faces 601 a formed in the shaft support 601 of the retracting lensframe 401 to come into contact with the outer peripheral face of theretraction shaft 501 b. n FIG. 17C, the component force F1′ at which theV-faces 601 a of the retracting lens frame 401 are brought into contactwith the outer peripheral face of the retraction shaft 501 b is greaterthan that in FIG. 17B (F1′>F1). Consequently, the retraction shaft 501 bis positioned more reliably with respect to the shaft support 601 of theretracting lens frame 401. More precisely, accuracy with respect to theeccentricity of the retraction shaft 501 b can be improved morereliably. In FIG. 17C, F1′ and F2′ are components of the biasing forceF0′.

The amount and direction of the component force F1′ by which the V-faces601 a are biased toward the retraction shaft vary with the positionwhere the V-faces are formed. Specifically, the bending of the rotaryspring 403 and the formation position of the V-faces 601 a in FIG. 17Bare just examples given to illustrate this technology. Therefore, thebending of the rotary spring 403 is not limited to how it is done inthis embodiment, and any way is fine as long as the component force F1′by which the V-face are biased toward the retraction shaft can beincreased.

3-3. Actuator

The actuator 520 is mounted to the third lens group frame F3. Moreprecisely, as shown in FIG. 19, the actuator 520 is disposed on thethird lens group frame F3, using an effective imaging range YR as areference. The effective imaging range YR is defined by the imagingelement 103 mounted to the master flange 105. In this embodiment, theeffective imaging range YR is formed in a rectangular shape.

As shown in FIG. 19, the actuator 520 has a first actuator 521 and asecond actuator 522. The first actuator 521 moves the OIS frame 400 in ashort-side direction T1 (first direction) of the effective imaging rangeYR. The first actuator 521 is disposed on one short side of theeffective imaging range YR. The first actuator 521 is made up of amagnet 521 a and a coil 521 b. The magnet 521 a is mounted to the OISframe 400, and the coil 521 b is mounted to the shutter unit 250 at aposition opposite the magnet 521 a.

As shown in FIG. 19, the second actuator 522 moves the OIS frame 400 ina long-side direction T2 (second direction) of the effective imagingrange YR. The second actuator 522 is larger than the first actuator 521.The second actuator 522 is disposed on one long side of the effectiveimaging range YR. More specifically, the second actuator 522 is disposedon the lower long side of the effective imaging range YR. The secondactuator 522 is made up of a magnet 522 a and two coils 522 b. Themagnet 522 a is mounted to the OIS frame 400, and the two coils 522 bare mounted to the shutter unit 250 at a position opposite the magnet522 a. The retracting lens frame 401 moves along the other long side ofthe effective imaging range YR (such as the upper long side).

In this state, when power is supplied from a camera circuit (not shown)to the coils 521 b and 522 b of the shutter unit 250, current flows anda magnetic field is generated in the coils 521 b and 522 b. Thismagnetic field drives the magnets 521 a and 522 a of the OIS frame 400,and this drive force causes the OIS frame 400 to move in a plane that isperpendicular to the optical axis AX. More precisely, the OIS frame 400is moved by the first actuator 521 in the short-side direction, and ismoved by the second actuator 522 in the long-side direction.

4. Engagement of Frames

FIGS. 5 to 7 are cross sections of the lens barrel 20. However, FIGS. 5to 7 are simplified diagrams that combine a plurality of cross sectionspassing through the optical axis AX. In FIG. 5 the lens barrel 20 isshown in its retracted state, in FIG. 6 the lens barrel 20 is shown inits wide angle state, and in FIG. 7 the lens barrel 20 is shown in itstelephoto state.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the retracted state, the second rotary frame 220,the second cosmetic frame 320, the first cosmetic frame 310, the firstrectilinear frame 110, the first rotary frame 210, the secondrectilinear frame 120, and the third rectilinear frame 130 are housed inthat order on the inside in the radial direction of the stationary frame100. Also, in the retracted state, the third lens group L3 retractsoutward in the radial direction of the fourth and fifth lens groups L4and L5, which allows the lens barrel 20 to be more compact in theoptical axis direction.

The engagement of the frames will now be described through reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.

The gear part 221 of the second rotary frame 220 meshes with the zoomgear 102 (not shown). The cam protrusion B1 of the second rotary frame220 is engaged with the cam groove b1 of the stationary frame 100.Consequently, the second rotary frame 220 moves in the optical axisdirection while rotating in the peripheral direction under the driveforce of the zoom motor 101.

The rectilinear protrusion A1 of the second rectilinear frame 120 isengaged with the rectilinear groove a1 of the stationary frame 100. Thebayonet protrusion E1 of the second rectilinear frame 120 is engagedwith the bayonet groove e1 of the second rotary frame 220. Therefore,the second rectilinear frame 120 moves in the optical axis directionalong with the second rotary frame 220.

The rectilinear protrusion A4 of the first rotary frame 210 is engagedwith the rectilinear groove a4 of the first rotary frame 210. The camprotrusion B3 of the first rotary frame 210 is engaged with the camgroove b3 of the second rectilinear frame 120. Therefore, the firstrotary frame 210 moves in the optical axis direction along with thesecond rectilinear frame 120 while rotating in the peripheral directionalong with the first rotary frame 210.

The cam protrusion B2 of the first rectilinear frame 110 is engaged withthe cam groove b2 of the first rotary frame 210. The rectilinearprotrusion A2 of the third rectilinear frame 130 is engaged with therectilinear groove a2 of the first rectilinear frame 110. Therefore, thefirst rectilinear frame 110 moves in the optical axis directionaccording to the rotation of the first rotary frame 210.

The bayonet protrusion E2 of the third rectilinear frame 130 is engagedwith the bayonet groove e2 of the second rotary frame 220. Therectilinear protrusion A2 of the third rectilinear frame 130 is engagedwith the rectilinear groove a2 of the first rectilinear frame 110.Therefore, the third rectilinear frame 130 moves in the optical axisdirection along with the first rotary frame 210.

As discussed above, the first rotary frame 210 is engaged with the firstrectilinear frame 110 via a cam mechanism, and rotates to move the firstrectilinear frame 110 rectilinearly. Also, the second rectilinear frame120 is engaged with the first rotary frame 210 via a cam mechanism, andmoves rectilinearly in the optical axis direction to rotate the firstrotary frame 210. Accordingly, the first rotary frame 210 is moved bymoving the second rectilinear frame 120 rectilinearly while moving thefirst rectilinear frame 110 rectilinearly by rotating the first rotaryframe 210, by rotating the second rotary frame 220 with the zoom motor101. As a result, the first to third movable lens barrel parts 21 to 23are deployed smoothly from the stationary lens barrel part 24.

5. Operation of OIS Unit

Finally, the operation of the OIS unit will be described on the basis ofthe configuration of the lens barrel 20 discussed above.

First, as shown in FIG. 15A, in the imaging enabled state, the thirdcontact portion 603C of the retracting lens frame 401 comes into contactwith the anti-rotation portion 502, which positions the retracting lensframe 401 with respect to the OIS frame 400 in the first orientation(imaging enabled orientation).

Next, when the lens barrel 20 starts changing from its imaging enabledstate to its retracted state, the shutter unit 250 approaches the masterflange 105 as shown in FIG. 6. The engagement portions 504 of the OISframe 400 mounted to the shutter unit 250 then come into contact withthe distal ends of the protrusions 108 provided to the master flange105. The distal ends of the protrusions 108 then press on the OIS frame400. Once the engagement portions 504 of the OIS frame 400 come intocontact with the inner peripheral part of the protrusions 108 (theportion more to the proximal end side than the distal end), movement ofthe OIS frame 400 with respect to the shutter unit 250 is restricted.

Meanwhile, in a state in which the OIS frame 400 is being pressed by theprotrusions 108 of the master flange 105, the pressing portion 605 ofthe retracting lens frame 401 is pressed and guided by the firstretracting cam 125 provided to the master flange 105.

More precisely, in a state in which the OIS frame 400 is being pressedby the distal ends of the protrusions 108, the pressing portion 605 ofthe retracting lens frame 401 comes into contact with and is guided bythe first guide portion 125 a of the first retracting cam 125 (see FIG.7), causing the retracting lens frame 401 to start retracting from thefirst orientation toward the second orientation (retracted orientation).

Then, in a state in which the OIS frame 400 is being pressed by theinner peripheral part on the proximal end side of the protrusions 108(the portion excluding the distal ends and including the middle), thepressing portion 605 of the retracting lens frame 401 comes into contactwith and is guided by the second guide portion 125 b of the firstretracting cam 125 (see FIG. 7), causing the retracting lens frame 401to retract further. The pressing portion 605 of the retracting lensframe 401 then comes into contact with the support portion 125 c of thefirst retracting cam 125 (see FIG. 7).

Finally, when the shutter unit 250 further approaches the master flange105, a positioning portion 609 provided to the retracting lens frame 401comes into contact with the second retracting cam 126. This positionsthe retracting lens frame 401 in the retracted position.

Here, the direction in which the protrusions 108 of the master flange105 press on the engagement portions 504 of the OIS frame 400 issubstantially the same as the direction in which the first retractingcam 125 of the master flange 105 presses on the pressing portion 605 ofthe retracting lens frame 401. In other words, the protrusions 108 ofthe master flange 105 and the first retracting cam 125 of the masterflange 105 press on the engagement portions 504 of the OIS frame 400 andthe first retracting cam 125 of the retracting lens frame 401 in thedirection in which the OIS frame 400 approaches the shutter unit 250.Thus pressing the engagement portions 504 of the OIS frame 400 and thefirst retracting cam 125 of the retracting lens frame 401 insubstantially the same direction allows the retracting lens frame 401 tobe positioned reliably.

Thus, the movement of the OIS frame 400 with respect to the shutter unit250 is restricted, and the retracting lens frame 401 is positioned withrespect to the OIS frame 400 in the second orientation (retractedorientation). At this point, the lens support 602 of the retracting lensframe 401 is housed in the housing portion 550 of the OIS frame 400.

Thus, with this lens barrel 20, when the lens barrel 20 changes from itsimaging enabled state to its retracted state, the restriction ofmovement of the OIS frame 400 and the positioning of the retracting lensframe 401 are executed simultaneously. Specifically, the lens barrel 20of this embodiment retracts the third lens group L3 used for OIS. Hereagain, movement of the OIS frame 400 itself is restricted with arestricting mechanism that restricts the movement of the OIS frame 400(e.g., the relation between the inner peripheral part of the protrusions108 and the engagement portions 504 of the OIS frame 400), before thethird lens group L3 is retracted with a retracting mechanism (e.g., therelation between the pressing portion 605 of the retracting lens frame401 and the first retracting cam 125 provided to the master flange 105).This allows the third lens group L3 to be retracted more reliably.

6. Action and Effect

(1) This lens barrel 20 comprises the master flange 105, the shutterunit 250, the OIS frame 400, and the retracting lens frame 401. Theshutter unit 250 is supported by the master flange 105. The OIS frame400 is supported by the shutter unit 250, and is movable within a planethat is perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the shutterunit 250. The retracting lens frame 401 is supported by the OIS frame400, and moves around the retraction shaft 501 b, which is substantiallyparallel to the optical axis, during the transition period between theimaging enabled state and the housed state. The shutter unit 250, theOIS frame 400, and the retracting lens frame 401 move in the opticalaxis direction with respect to the master flange 105 during thetransition period between the imaging enabled state and the housedstate. The master flange 105 restricts in-plane movement of the OISframe 400 during the transition period between the imaging enabled stateand the housed state.

With this lens barrel 20, the master flange 105 restricts in-planemovement of the OIS frame 400 during the transition period between theimaging enabled state and the housed state. Consequently, in the housedstate, there is no need to provide clearance or the like for avoidingcontact with members caused by in-plane movement of the OIS frame 400,so the lens barrel 20 can be more compact.

(2) With this lens barrel 20, the master flange 105 has the firstrestrictor 107 that restricts the movement of the OIS frame 400 duringthe transition period between the imaging enabled state and the housedstate. The OIS frame 400 has the engagement portions 504 that engageswith the first restrictor 107.

With this lens barrel 20, when the first restrictor 107 of the masterflange 105 engages with the engagement portions 504 of the OIS frame400, in-plane movement of the OIS frame 400 is restricted by the masterflange 105 during the transition period between the imaging enabledstate and the housed state. Consequently, there is no need to providethe above-mentioned clearance, etc., so the lens barrel can be morecompact.

(3) With this lens barrel 20, the first restrictor 107 is a firstprotrusion that is provided to the master flange 105 and protrudes inthe optical axis direction. The engagement portions 504 is a secondprotrusion that is provided protruding from the outer peripheral part ofthe OIS frame 400 and comes into contact with the first protrusion.

With this lens barrel, the first restrictor 107 protrudes in the opticalaxis direction from the master flange 105, and the engagement portions504 protrudes from the outer peripheral part of the OIS frame 400. Withthis configuration, the master flange 105 can reliably restrict thein-plane movement of the OIS frame 400 during the transition periodbetween the imaging enabled state and the housed state.

(4) With this lens barrel 20, the master flange 105 restricts thein-plane movement of the OIS frame 400 and retracts the retracting lensframe 401. Specifically, the restriction of the in-plane movement of theOIS frame 400 and the retraction of the retracting lens frame 401 can beaccomplished with a single member (the master flange 105), so thisimproves accuracy during in-plane restriction of the OIS frame 400 andaccuracy during retraction of the retracting lens frame 401.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present technology will be describedthrough reference to FIGS. 23 to 32. The numbers and symbols used in thefollowing description of the second embodiment correspond to the numbersand symbols in FIGS. 23 to 32.

Detailed Configuration of Lens Barrel 20

First, the detailed configuration of the lens barrel 20 will bedescribed through reference to the drawings. FIG. 23 is an oblique viewof the lens barrel 20, and FIG. 24 is an exploded oblique view of thelens barrel 20.

The lens barrel 20 comprises a three-stage telescoping zoom mechanism.As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the lens barrel 20 has the first movablelens barrel part 21, the second movable lens barrel part 22, the thirdmovable lens barrel part 23, and the stationary lens barrel part 24.

1. First Movable Lens Barrel Part 21

The first movable lens barrel part 21 has the first rectilinear frame110, the first rotary frame 210, and first cosmetic frame 301. The firstrectilinear frame 110 is a cylindrical plastic member disposed on theinside in the radial direction of the stationary frame 100 (discussedbelow). The first rotary frame 210 is a cylindrical plastic memberdisposed on the inside in the radial direction of the stationary frame100. The first cosmetic frame 301 is a cylindrical sheet metal memberthat covers the outer periphery of the first rectilinear frame 110.

2. Second Movable Lens Barrel Part 22

The second movable lens barrel part 22 has the second rectilinear frame120, the second rotary frame 220, the third rectilinear frame 130, thesecond cosmetic frame 320, the second lens group L2, a third lens groupframe 330, the third lens group L3, the shutter frame 335, and a secondcosmetic frame 302.

The second rectilinear frame 120 is a cylindrical plastic memberdisposed on the inside in the radial direction of the first rotary frame210. The second rotary frame 220 is a cylindrical plastic memberdisposed on the inside in the radial direction of the second rectilinearframe 120.

The third rectilinear frame 130 is a cylindrical plastic member disposedon the inside in the radial direction of the second rotary frame 220.The second cosmetic frame 320 is disposed on the inside in the radialdirection of the third rectilinear frame 130, and supports the secondlens group L2 used for zooming. The third lens group frame 330 is housedin the shutter frame 335 and supports the third lens group L3 used forimage blur correction. The third lens group frame 330 is supported bythe shutter frame 335 pivotably in the radial direction, and along withthe third lens group L3 constitutes an image blur correction mechanism.

The shutter frame 335 is disposed on the inside in the radial directionof the third rectilinear frame 130, and has a built-in shuttermechanism. The shutter frame 335 supports the third lens group frame 330pivotably in the radial direction. A control-use flexible wire 335 a isconnected to the shutter frame 335.

The control-use flexible wire 335 a is disposed along the innerperipheral face of the stationary frame 100, and is connected to acontrol device (not shown). The control-use flexible wire 335 atransmits control signals to the shutter mechanism or image blurcorrection mechanism (discussed below). The second cosmetic frame 302 isa cylindrical sheet metal member that covers the outer periphery of thesecond rectilinear frame 120.

3. Third Movable Lens Barrel Part 23

The third movable lens barrel part 23 has the first cosmetic frame 310,the first lens group L1, and a third cosmetic frame 303.

The first cosmetic frame 310 is disposed between the second rectilinearframe 120 and the second rotary frame 220. The first cosmetic frame 310supports the first lens group L1, which is used to bring light into thelens barrel 20. The third cosmetic frame 303 is a cylindrical sheetmetal member that covers the outer periphery of the first cosmetic frame310.

4. Stationary Lens Barrel Part 24

The stationary lens barrel part 24 has the stationary frame 100, afourth lens group frame 340, the fourth lens group L4, a zoom motor 241,the zoom gear 242, a focus motor 243, the master flange 244, an imagingelement 245, and imaging element flexible wire 245 a.

The stationary frame 100 is a cylindrical plastic member disposed on theoutside in the radial direction of the first rotary frame 210. Thefourth lens group frame 340 is attached to the master flange 244 and isdriven in the optical axis direction by the focus motor 243. The fourthlens group frame 340 supports the fourth lens group L4 used for focaladjustment.

The zoom motor 241 is a drive source for deploying the first to thirdmovable lens barrel parts 21 to 23, and is attached to the side face ofthe stationary frame 100. The zoom gear 242 transmits the drive force ofthe zoom motor 241 to the first rotary frame 210. The front end of thezoom gear 242 is supported by the stationary frame 100, and the rear endof the zoom gear 242 is supported by the master flange 244. The focusmotor 243 is a drive source for driving the fourth lens group frame 340in the optical axis direction, and is attached to the master flange 244.The master flange 244 is a flat plastic member that covers the rear ofthe stationary frame 100. The imaging element 245 is fitted in thecenter of the master flange 244. The imaging element flexible wire 245 ais affixed to the rear face of the master flange 244. The imagingelement flexible wire 245 a is connected to a control device (notshown), and transmits signals from the imaging element 245.

5. Engagement of Frames

FIGS. 25 to 27 are cross sections of the lens barrel 20. However, FIGS.5 to 7 are simplified diagrams that combine a plurality of crosssections passing through the optical axis AX. In FIG. 25 the lens barrel20 is shown in its retracted state, in FIG. 26 the lens barrel 20 isshown in its wide angle state, and in FIG. 27 the lens barrel 20 isshown in its telephoto state. In this embodiment, the “imaging enabledstate” of the digital camera 1 means a state from the wide angle stateto the telephoto state of the lens barrel 20.

A gear portion 212 of the first rotary frame 210 meshes with the zoomgear 242 (not shown). The cam follower B1 of the first rotary frame 210is engaged with the cam groove b1 of the stationary frame 100.Therefore, the first rotary frame 210 moves in the optical axisdirection while rotating in the peripheral direction under the driveforce of the zoom motor 241.

The rectilinear protrusion A1 of the first rectilinear frame 110 isengaged with the rectilinear groove a1 of the stationary frame 100. Thebayonet protrusion E1 of the first rotary frame 210 is engaged with thebayonet groove e1 of the first rectilinear frame 110. Therefore, thefirst rectilinear frame 110 is movable rectilinearly in the optical axisdirection along with the first rotary frame 210.

A rectilinear cam follower AB2 of the second rectilinear frame 120 isinserted into the cam groove b2 of the first rotary frame 210, and isengaged with the rectilinear groove a2 of the first rectilinear frame110. Therefore, the second rectilinear frame 120 moves rectilinearly inthe optical axis direction according to the rotation of the first rotaryframe 210.

A rectilinear protrusion A3 of the second rotary frame 220 is engagedwith a rectilinear groove a3 of the first rotary frame 210. The bayonetprotrusion E2 of the second rotary frame 220 is engaged with the bayonetgroove e2 of the second rectilinear frame 120. Therefore, the secondrotary frame 220 moves in the optical axis direction along with thesecond rectilinear frame 120 while rotating in the peripheral directionalong with the first rotary frame 210.

A latching portion 122 of the second rectilinear frame 120 is latched ina latching recess 133 of the third rectilinear frame 130. The bayonetprotrusion E3 of the third rectilinear frame 130 is engaged with thebayonet groove e3 of the second rotary frame 220. At least two of thethree rectilinear protrusions A3 of the second rotary frame 220 aredisposed at least about 120° apart, the two latching portions 122 of thesecond rectilinear frame 120 are also disposed at least about 120°apart, and the relative rotation angle during zoom drive is set to about120° or less. Therefore, the third rectilinear frame 130 movesrectilinearly in the optical axis direction along with the secondrectilinear frame 120 without interfering with the rotation of thesecond rotary frame 220.

Also, at least two of the three rectilinear protrusions A3 of the secondrotary frame 220 are spaced apart by about 150°, the spacing of the twolatching portions 122 of the second rectilinear frame 120 is also about150°, and the relative rotation angle during zoom drive is set to about150° or less. Therefore, the third rectilinear frame 130 does notinterfere with the rotation of the second rotary frame 220. The sameapplies to other angles.

The rectilinear protrusion A4 of the first cosmetic frame 310 is engagedwith the rectilinear groove a4 of the second rectilinear frame 120. Thecam protrusion B3 of the first cosmetic frame 310 is engaged with thecam groove b3 of the second rotary frame 220. Therefore, the firstcosmetic frame 310 can move rectilinearly in the optical axis directionaccording to the rotation of the second rotary frame 220.

A rectilinear protrusion A5 of the second cosmetic frame 320 is engagedwith a rectilinear groove a5 of the third rectilinear frame 130. The camprotrusion B4 of the second cosmetic frame 320 is engaged with the camgroove b4 of the second rotary frame 220. Therefore, the second cosmeticframe 320 can move rectilinearly in the optical axis direction accordingto the rotation of the second rotary frame 220.

A rectilinear protrusion A6 of the shutter frame 335 is engaged with arectilinear groove a6 of the third rectilinear frame 130. The camprotrusion B5 of the shutter frame 335 is engaged with the cam groove b5of the second rotary frame 220. Therefore, the shutter frame 335 canmove rectilinearly in the optical axis direction according to therotation of the second rotary frame 220.

The third lens group frame 330 is mounted to the shutter frame 335, andwhen the shutter frame 335 moves rectilinearly in the optical axisdirection with respect to the third rectilinear frame 130, theretracting lens frame 401 of the third lens group frame 330 is rotatedby a retracting mechanism (a guide groove a7 of the third rectilinearframe 130 and a driven portion 411 of the retracting lens frame 401).Consequently, the retracting lens frame 401 moves from the retractedposition to the correction enabled position during the transition periodbetween the imaging enabled state and the housed state. Also, during thetransition period between the imaging enabled state and the housedstate, the retracting lens frame 401 moves from the correction enabledposition to the retracted position. When the retracting lens frame 401is disposed in the correction enabled position, the third lens group L3is movable within a plane that is perpendicular to the optical axis.Specifically, image blur correction is possible in this state.

As discussed above, the rotation of the first rotary frame 210 and thesecond rotary frame 220 produced by the drive force of the zoom motor241 results in rectilinear movement of the first to third rectilinearframes 110 to 130 and the lens group frames 310, 320, and 335.

Configuration of Retracting Mechanism

The configuration of the retracting mechanism of the lens barrel 20 willnow be described through reference to the drawings.

6. Configuration of Third Rectilinear Frame 130

FIGS. 28 and 29 are oblique views of the third rectilinear frame 130.

The third rectilinear frame 130 has a third rectilinear frame main body131, a flange 132, and two latching recesses 133.

The third rectilinear frame main body 131 is in the form of a cylinder,and has an inner peripheral face 130S and an outer peripheral face 130T.

The flange 132 is formed in an annular shape and is provided to the rearend part of the outer peripheral face 130T.

The two latching recesses 133 are cut-outs formed in the outer edge ofthe flange 132. The two latching portions 122 of the second rectilinearframe 120 are latched in the two latching recesses 133 of the thirdrectilinear frame 130, which prevents relative rotation of the thirdrectilinear frame 130 with respect to the second rectilinear frame 120.

The third rectilinear frame 130 has two pairs of bayonet protrusions E3,three rectilinear grooves a5, and three rectilinear grooves a6. In FIG.28, however, only a pair of the bayonet protrusions E3 is shown. A pairof the bayonet protrusions E3 includes two bayonet protrusions E3.

The two bayonet protrusions E3 are formed in the approximate center ofthe outer peripheral face 130T along the peripheral direction. The twobayonet protrusions E3 are engaged with the two bayonet grooves e3 ofthe second rotary frame 220. In this embodiment, the bayonet protrusionsE3 and the bayonet grooves e3 constitute a bayonet mechanism forrotatably engaging the third rectilinear frame 130 with the secondrotary frame 220.

The three rectilinear grooves a5 pass through the third rectilinearframe main body 131 from the inner peripheral face 130S to the outerperipheral face 130T.

The three rectilinear grooves a6 pass through the third rectilinearframe main body 131 from the inner peripheral face 130S to the outerperipheral face 130T.

In this embodiment, the three rectilinear grooves a5 and the threerectilinear grooves a6 are disposed alternately in the peripheraldirection.

As shown in FIG. 28, the third rectilinear frame 130 further has theguide groove a7 formed in the inner peripheral face of the thirdrectilinear frame main body 131, and a reinforcing portion 130H (shadedpart) formed near the guide groove a7.

The guide groove a7 guides the driven portion 411 (discussed below) as acam follower. The guide groove a7 and the driven portion 411 constitutea cam mechanism for moving the retracting lens frame 401. This cammechanism varies the orientation of the retracting lens frame 401 bymoving the third rectilinear frame 130 relatively in the optical axisdirection with respect to the retracting lens frame 401.

As shown in FIG. 28, the guide groove a7 has a portion that is inclinedto the optical axis (sloped part), and a portion that is parallel to theoptical axis (parallel part). When the driven portion 411 is guided bythis sloped part, the retracting lens frame 401 rotates around theretraction shaft 501 b. The retracting lens frame 401 transitionsbetween an image blur correction enabled position and a retractedposition by rotating about the retraction shaft 501 b.

The retracting lens frame 401 is biased by the rotary spring 403 aroundthe retraction shaft 501.

Therefore, when the retracting lens frame 401 is rotated against thebiasing force of the rotary spring 403 by the guide groove a7 and thedriven portion 411, the driven portion 411 comes into contact with oneside (the side face on one side) of the guide groove a7. Therefore, theretracting lens frame 401 is rotated as long as there is a side face onthe rear side in the optical axis direction.

When the guide groove a7 that engages with the driven portion 411 isformed in the third rectilinear frame 130, the rotation of theretracting lens frame 401 is started earlier during the transitionperiod between the imaging enabled state and the housed state.

Also, the rotational accuracy of the retracting lens frame 401 can beimproved by forming the guide groove a7 that engages with the drivenportion 411 in the third rectilinear frame 130.

Furthermore, centering during retraction can be performed moreaccurately by forming the guide groove a7 that engages with the drivenportion 411 in the third rectilinear frame 130. When the guide groove a7is constituted by the third rectilinear frame 130, a centering mechanismfor the OIS frame 400 is also formed in the third rectilinear frame 130.Therefore, the positional accuracy of the retracting lens frame 401 andthe OIS frame 400 can be improved.

The reinforcing portion 130H is formed partially in the thirdrectilinear frame main body 131. The reinforcing portion 130H is formedin the inner peripheral face of the third rectilinear frame main body131. More specifically, the reinforcing portion 130H is formed in thethird rectilinear frame main body 131 so as to protrude toward theinside of the third rectilinear frame main body 131. Specifically, usingthe outer peripheral face of the third rectilinear frame main body 131as a reference, the reinforcing portion 130H is formed so that itsthickness increases toward the inner peripheral side as compared to theother portions. Also, the reinforcing portion 130H is formed near theguide groove a7, such as adjacent to the guide groove a7.

The thickness of the reinforcing portion 130H is determined by the depthof the guide groove a7. Specifically, the thickness of the reinforcingportion 130H is set so that the depth of the guide groove a7 (the radialdirection dimension of the guide groove a7) fits in the reinforcingportion 130H. Also, the depth of the guide groove a7 is determined bythe size (height) of the driven portion 411 inserted into the guidegroove a7. The depth of the guide groove a7 (the radial directiondimension of the guide groove a7) is set so as to accommodate the heightof the driven portion 411 (the radial direction dimension of the drivenportion 411).

The third rectilinear frame main body 131 is preferably as thin aspossible in order to reduce the outside diameter of the lens barrel 20.However, since the cam mechanism that moves the retracting lens frame401 (that is, the portion where the guide groove a7 and the drivenportion 411 engage) needs to be strong, a certain amount of thickness isnecessary. If the portion having this certain amount of thickness isformed on the inner peripheral face side of the third rectilinear framemain body 131, this minimizes the increase in the outside diameter ofthe third rectilinear frame main body 131. Specifically, an increase inthe outside diameter of the lens barrel 20 can be minimized.

As shown in FIG. 29, the third rectilinear frame 130 has three shuntinggrooves a9 for restricting the movement of the OIS frame 400 withrespect to the third rectilinear frame 130 or the shutter frame 335. Thethree shunting grooves a9 are formed in the inner peripheral face 130Sof the third rectilinear frame main body 131. The three shunting groovesa9 are formed in the third rectilinear frame main body 131 spaced apartby a specific distance in the peripheral direction in the innerperipheral face 130S.

The three shunting grooves a9 are grooves extending in the optical axisdirection. The shunting grooves a9 are formed so that the groove islarger on the flange 132 side. More specifically, the shunting groovesa9 have a first groove a91, a second groove a92, and a third groove a93.The first groove a91 and the second groove a92 are such that the shapeof a cross section perpendicular to the optical axis is semicircular,semi-elliptical, trapezoidal, rectangular, parabolic, or a combinationof these shapes.

The first grooves a91 are grooves formed on the flange 132 side. Thewidth and depth of the first grooves a91 are greater than the width anddepth of the second grooves a92. The shape of the third grooves a93 is asloped face, a conical face, a curved face, or a combination of theseshapes, so that there is a smooth transition from the width and depth ofthe first grooves a91 to the width and depth of the second grooves a92.If shunting protrusions 404 (see FIG. 32) of the OIS frame 400(discussed below) are disposed in the first grooves a91, the shuntingprotrusions 404 is movable inside the first grooves a91. Specifically,in this case, the OIS frame 400 can move within a plane that isperpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the third rectilinearframe 130 or the shutter frame 335.

The second grooves a92 are grooves that extend in the optical axisdirection from the first grooves a91. If the shunting protrusions 404(see FIG. 32) of the OIS frame 400 (discussed below) are disposed in thesecond grooves a92, the OIS frame 400 is restrained in the radialdirection and the peripheral direction with respect to the thirdrectilinear frame 130 or the shutter frame 335. Consequently, movementof the OIS frame 400 is restricted with respect to the third rectilinearframe 130 or the shutter frame 335.

The third grooves a93 are grooves that extend in the optical axisdirection and link the first grooves a91 and the second grooves a92. Ifthe shunting protrusions 404 (see FIG. 32) of the OIS frame 400(discussed below) are disposed in the third grooves a93, the OIS frame400 gradually transitions from a state of being movable within a planethat is perpendicular to the optical axis to a state in which it isrestricted in the radial direction and the peripheral direction, withrespect to the third rectilinear frame 130 or the shutter frame 335.

Specifically, when the shunting protrusions 404 of the OIS frame 400 aredisposed from the first grooves a91, via the third grooves a93, to thesecond grooves a92, this centers the OIS frame 400.

A mechanism for centering the OIS frame 400 (centering mechanism) isconstituted by the shunting grooves a9 (a91, a92, and a93) and theshunting protrusions 404 of the OIS frame 400.

7. Configuration of Third Lens Group Frame 330

FIG. 30 shows a state in which the third lens group frame 330 is housedin the interior of the shutter frame 335. The configuration of the thirdlens group frame 330 will be described through reference to FIG. 30.

The third lens group frame 330 (that is, an OIS (optical imagestabilizer) unit) mainly has the OIS frame 400, the retracting lensframe 401, the thrust spring 402, the rotary spring 403, and the thirdlens group L3 used for image blur correction.

As shown in FIG. 30, the OIS frame 400 is mounted to the shutter frame335. The optical axis direction layout of the OIS frame 400 with respectto the shutter frame 335 is such that three OIS shafts press-fitted tothe shutter frame 335 are supported by being clamped in the optical axisdirection by optical axis direction supports of the OIS frame 400 atthree places. The directional position of the OIS frame 400perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the shutter frame 335is such that one OIS rotary shaft press-fitted to the shutter frame 335is clamped in the optical axis direction by a perpendicular directionsupport of the OIS frame 400 at one place, and an optical axis directionstopper pin is supported by coming into contact with the peripheral wallof a movement range restrictor 338 of the OIS frame 400.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the OIS frame 400 has a main body portion405, a first linking portion 407, and a second linking portion 408. Themain body portion 405 has a hole 405 a and a first cut-out 405 b.

In a state in which the OIS frame 400 is mounted to the shutter frame335, the first linking portion 407 is disposed above magnets 521 andcoils 522 (actuators; discussed below).

The OIS frame 400 is movable within a plane that is perpendicular to theoptical axis. More specifically, the magnets 521 are fixed to the OISframe 400, and the coils 522 are fixed to the shutter frame 335 at aposition opposite the magnets 521. In this state, when power is suppliedfrom a camera circuit (not shown) to the coils 522 of the shutter frame335, current flows and a magnetic field is generated in the coils 522.This magnetic field drives the magnets 521 of the OIS frame 400, andthis drive force causes the OIS frame 400 to move in a plane that isperpendicular to the optical axis.

As shown in FIG. 32, the OIS frame 400 has the shunting protrusions 404that engage with the shunting grooves a9 of the third rectilinear frame130. The shunting protrusions 404 are formed integrally with the mainbody portion 405 of the OIS frame 400. More specifically, the twoshunting protrusions 404 are formed on the main body portion 405 so asto protrude outward from the outer peripheral part of the main bodyportion. Also, the two shunting protrusions 404 are formed integrallywith the main body portion 405 and spaced apart by a specific distancearound the outer peripheral part of the main body portion 405. The twoshunting protrusions 404 are respectively fitted into and guided by thetwo shunting grooves a9 of the third rectilinear frame 130.

More specifically, in a state in which the OIS frame 400 is mounted tothe shutter frame 335, when the OIS frame 400 approaches the thirdrectilinear frame 130, the shunting protrusions 404 formed on the OISframe 400 are introduced from the flange 132 side of the thirdrectilinear frame 130 into the first grooves a91 of the thirdrectilinear frame 130. In a state in which the shunting protrusions 404are disposed in the first grooves a91, the OIS frame 400 is movable in aplane that is perpendicular to the third rectilinear frame 130 or theshutter frame 335.

Then, in a state in which the OIS frame 400 is mounted to the shutterframe 335, if the OIS frame 400 moves further in the optical axisdirection on the inner peripheral side of the third rectilinear frame130, the shunting protrusions 404 are introduced into the third groovesa93. Then, the OIS frame 400 gradually transitions from a state of beingmovable in a plane that is perpendicular to the optical axis to a stateof being restricted in the radial direction and the peripheral directionwith respect to the third rectilinear frame 130 or the shutter frame335.

Then, when the shunting protrusions 404 are introduced into the secondgrooves a92, the shunting protrusions 404 are pressed by the secondgrooves a92 away from the inner peripheral face 130S of the thirdrectilinear frame 130. This restricts the movement of the OIS frame 400with respect to the third rectilinear frame 130 or the shutter frame335. The result is that the OIS frame 400 is centered.

Here, when the shunting protrusions 404 are guided by the shuntinggrooves a9 of the third rectilinear frame 130, the third rectilinearframe 130 is positioned away from the shunting grooves a9. Theretraction operation of the retracting lens frame 401 is started in thisstate. That is, the driven portion 411 of the retracting lens frame 401is guided by the guide groove a7 of the third rectilinear frame 130. Thedrive force received by the driven portion 411 of the retracting lensframe 401 from the guide groove a7 then acts in the direction in whichthe shunting protrusions 404 are pushed into the shunting grooves a9.This reliably reduces looseness between the shunting protrusions 404 andthe shunting grooves a9. That is, the center of the OIS frame 400 can beperformed more reliably.

The center of the OIS frame 400 in this example was executed beforestarting the retraction of the retracting lens frame 401, but what isimportant is that the centering be completed by the time the retractionoperation is complete.

As shown in FIG. 31, the retracting lens frame 401 is supported by theOIS frame 400 so as to be movable around the retraction shaft 501 b,which is substantially parallel to the optical axis. The retracting lensframe 401 supports the third lens group L3 used for image blurcorrection, with a third lens support 420. The third lens group L3 ismade up of at least one lens.

The term “retraction shaft” as used below will sometimes be used in thesense of “the axis of the retraction shaft.”

As shown in FIG. 31, the retracting lens frame 401 has a main bodyportion 401 a, a bearing 410, the driven portion 411, a positioningportion 412, the third lens support 420, and an engagement portion (notshown). The bearing 410 is formed integrally with the main body portion401 a.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the bearing 410 is rotatably mounted to thesupport shaft 501 b (retraction shaft) provided to the OIS frame 400. Ahole into which the retraction shaft 501 b is inserted is formed in thebearing 410.

The driven portion 411 is the portion that is driven against the biasingforce of the rotary spring 403 (discussed below) during the transitionperiod between the imaging enabled state and the housed state. Thedriven portion 411 is formed integrally protruding outward from the mainbody portion 401 a. The driven portion 411 is engaged with the guidegroove a7 formed in the inner peripheral face of the third rectilinearframe 130. More precisely, the driven portion 411 is engaged with theguide groove a7 of the third rectilinear frame 130 via an opening (notshown) in the shutter frame 335. The driven portion 411 is guided by theguide groove a7 of the third rectilinear frame 130 when the thirdrectilinear frame 130 moves relatively in the optical axis directionwith respect to the retracting lens frame 401. Consequently, theorientation of the retracting lens frame 401 changes during thetransition period between the imaging enabled state and the housedstate.

8. Configuration of Shutter Frame 335

The configuration of the shutter frame 335 will now be described throughreference to FIGS. 30 and 31.

As shown in FIG. 30, the shutter frame 335 has a shutter frame main body336, three rectilinear protrusions A6, and three cam protrusions B5. Asshown in FIG. 31, the shutter frame 335 also has an opening 356, a lightblocking portion 357, and a first restrictor 337 a.

The shutter frame main body 336 is in the form of a cylinder, and has anouter peripheral face 335T.

The three rectilinear protrusions A6 are formed on the outer peripheralface 335T, and are disposed at a substantially constant pitch in theperipheral direction. The three rectilinear protrusions A6 are engagedwith the three rectilinear grooves a6 of the third rectilinear frame130.

The three cam followers B5 are provided to the front end of the threerectilinear protrusions A6. The three cam followers B5 are engaged withthe three cam grooves b5 of the second rotary frame 220.

The opening 356 is the portion that houses a part 420 b of the thirdlens support 420 during the transition period between the imagingenabled state and the housed state. As shown in FIG. 30, the part 420 bof the third lens support 420 is the portion adjacent to a secondcut-out 420 a during the transition period between the imaging enabledstate and the housed state. More precisely, the light blocking portion357 is provided to the opening 356 in order to block light rays.

9. Action and Effect

(1) With this lens barrel 20, the third rectilinear frame 130 restrictsthe in-plane movement of the OIS frame 400 during the transition periodbetween the imaging enabled state and the housed state. Consequently, inthe housed state, there is no need to provide clearance or the like foravoiding contact with members caused by in-plane movement of the OISframe 400, so the lens barrel 20 can be more compact.

(2) With this lens barrel 20, when the shunting grooves a9 of the thirdrectilinear frame 130 are engaged with the shunting protrusions 404 ofthe OIS frame 400, in-plane movement of the OIS frame 400 is restrictedby the third rectilinear frame 130 during the transition period betweenthe imaging enabled state and the housed state. Consequently, there isno need to provide the above-mentioned clearance, etc., so the lensbarrel can be more compact.

(3) With this lens barrel 20, the third rectilinear frame 130 restrictsthe in-plane movement of the OIS frame 400 and retracts the retractinglens frame 401. Specifically, restriction of the in-plane movement ofthe OIS frame 400 and retraction of the retracting lens frame 401 can beaccomplished with just one member (the third rectilinear frame 130), sothis improves accuracy during in-plane restriction of the OIS frame 400and accuracy during retraction of the retracting lens frame 401.

Other Embodiments

(A) In the above embodiments the lens barrel 20 comprised the thirdrectilinear frame 130, but need not comprise the third rectilinear frame130.

(B) In the above embodiments, the second rectilinear frame 120 wasdisposed on the inside of the first rotary frame 210, but this is notthe only option. The second rectilinear frame 120 may instead bedisposed on the outside of the first rotary frame 210. Specifically, thesecond rectilinear frame 120 should be disposed on the inside of thefirst rectilinear frame 110.

(C) In the above embodiments, the lens barrel 20 comprised the first tofifth lens groups L1 to L5, but this is not the only option. The lensbarrel 20 should comprise at least the first lens group L1.

(D) In the above embodiments, the lens barrel 20 comprised a three-stagetelescoping zoom mechanism, but this is not the only option. The lensbarrel 20 may have a telescoping mechanism of more than three stages.

(E) In the above embodiments, the cam grooves b were formed in one oftwo frames, and the cam protrusions B were formed in the other frame,but this is not the only option. The frames on which the cam protrusionsB and the cam grooves b are formed may be switched around. Also, the camgrooves b and the cam protrusions B may both be formed in each of thetwo frames.

(F) In the above embodiments, the rectilinear grooves a were formed inone of two frames, and the rectilinear protrusions A were formed in theother frame, but this is not the only option. The frames on which therectilinear protrusions A and the rectilinear grooves a are formed maybe switched around. Also, the rectilinear grooves a and the rectilinearprotrusions A may both be formed in each of the two frames.

(G) In the above embodiments, the bayonet grooves e were formed in oneof two frames, and the bayonet protrusions E were formed in the otherframe, but this is not the only option. The frames on which the bayonetprotrusions E and the bayonet grooves e are formed may be switchedaround. Also, the bayonet grooves e and the bayonet protrusions E mayboth be formed in each of the two frames.

(H) In the above embodiments, the third lens group L3 retracted to theoutside in the radial direction of the fourth and fifth lens groups L4and L5, but this is not the only option. The third lens group L3 may bedisposed in front of the fourth and fifth lens groups L4 and L5 in theretracted state.

(I) In the above embodiments, an example was given in which theretraction shaft portion 501 (retraction shaft 501 b) was provided tothe OIS frame 400, and the shaft support 601 was provided to theretracting lens frame 401, but the shaft support 601 may be provided tothe OIS frame 400, and the retraction shaft portion 501 (retractionshaft 501 b) may be provided to the retracting lens frame 401.

(J) In the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, an example was givenin which the anti-rotation portion 502 of the OIS frame 400 was formedin a concave shape, and the third contact portion 603C of the retractinglens frame 401 come into contact with the sloped face 502 a of theanti-rotation portion 502. Instead, as shown in FIG. 33, the thirdcontact portion 603C of the retracting lens frame 401 may come intocontact with two side faces 512 a of a concave portion 512 of ananti-rotation portion 502′. In this case, the two side faces 512 a ofthe concave portion 512 are sloped and opposite each other. Morespecifically, the two side faces 512 a of the concave portion 512 areformed so as to approach each other toward the bottom 512 b of theconcave portion 512. This allows the retracting lens frame 401 to bepositioned more reliably with respect to the OIS frame 400.

(K) In the above embodiments, an example was given in which the in-planemovement of the OIS frame 400 was restricted and the retracting lensframe 401 was retracted with just one member (the master flange 105 inthe first embodiment, and the third rectilinear frame 130 in the secondembodiment). Instead, the restriction of the in-plane movement of theOIS frame 400 and the retraction of the retracting lens frame 401 may beaccomplished with a plurality of members.

Third Embodiment

It is an object of Embodiment 3 to increase shatter strength.

The lens barrel comprises a frame body, a support frame, and aretracting lens frame. The support frame is supported by the frame bodyand is movable within a plane that is perpendicular to the optical axis,with respect to the frame body. The retracting lens frame is supportedby the support frame, and moves around a retraction shaft that issubstantially parallel to the optical axis during the transition periodbetween the imaging enabled state and the housed state. The frame bodyhas a main body portion and a first restrictor that is provided aspecific distance away from the main body portion. The retracting lensframe has a first engagement portion that engages with the firstrestrictor. Movement of the retracting lens frame in the optical axisdirection is restricted by disposing this first engagement portionbetween the main body portion and the restrictor.

The technology disclosed herein provides a lens barrel with which theretracting lens frame can operate stably.

Configuration of Digital Camera 1

The configuration of the digital camera 1 will now be described throughreference to the drawings. FIG. 34 is an oblique view of the digitalcamera 1. FIG. 35 is an oblique view of the lens barrel 20.

As shown in FIG. 34, the digital camera 1 comprises the housing 10 andthe lens barrel 20.

The housing 10 is made up of the front panel 11, the rear panel 12, andthe side panel 13. The opening 10S is formed in the front panel 11.

The lens barrel 20 comprises a three-stage retractable zoom mechanism.The lens barrel 20 is housed in the housing 10 when not being used forimaging, and is deployed forward from the opening 10S during imaging.More specifically, as shown in FIG. 35, the lens barrel 20 has the firstmovable lens barrel portion 21, the second movable lens barrel part 22,the third movable lens barrel part 23, and the stationary lens barrel24.

The first movable lens barrel part 21 is configured to deploy withrespect to the stationary lens barrel part 24. The second movable lensbarrel part 22 is configured to deploy with respect to the first movablelens barrel part 21. The third movable lens barrel part 23 is configuredto deploy with respect to the second movable lens barrel part 22. Thestationary lens barrel part 24 is fixed inside the housing 10. When thelens barrel 20 is deployed, the third movable lens barrel part 23 ispositioned the farthest forward out of the first to third movable lensbarrel parts 21 to 23.

Detailed Configuration of Lens Barrel 20

Next, the detailed configuration of the lens barrel 20 will be describedthrough reference to the drawings. FIG. 36 is an exploded oblique viewof the lens barrel 20.

The first to third movable lens barrel parts 21 to 23 of the lens barrel20 are deployed from the stationary lens barrel part 24 along theoptical axis AX of the optical system. The optical system includes firstto fourth lens groups L1 to L4. In the following description, adirection parallel to the optical axis AX will be called the “opticalaxis direction,” a direction perpendicular to the optical axis directionwill be called the “radial direction,” and a direction that follows acircle whose center is the optical axis AX will be called the“peripheral direction.” The optical axis AX substantially coincides withthe axis of the various frames that make up the lens barrel 20.

1. First Movable Lens Barrel Part 21

The first movable lens barrel part 21 has the first rectilinear frame110, the first rotary frame 210, and the first cosmetic frame 301. Thefirst rectilinear frame 110 is a cylindrical plastic member disposed onthe inside in the radial direction of the stationary frame 100(discussed below). The first rotary frame 210 is a cylindrical plasticmember disposed on the inside in the radial direction of the stationaryframe 100. The first cosmetic frame 301 is a cylindrical sheet metalmember that covers the outer periphery of the first rectilinear frame110.

2. Second Movable Lens Barrel Part 22

The second movable lens barrel part 22 has the second rectilinear frame120, the second rotary frame 220, the third rectilinear frame 130, thesecond lens group frame 320, the second lens group L2, the third lensgroup frame 330, the third lens group L3, the shutter frame 335, and thesecond cosmetic frame 302.

The second rectilinear frame 120 is a cylindrical plastic memberdisposed on the inside in the radial direction of the first rotary frame210. The second rotary frame 220 is a cylindrical plastic memberdisposed on the inside in the radial direction of the second rectilinearframe 120.

The third rectilinear frame 130 is a cylindrical plastic member disposedon the inside in the radial direction of the second rotary frame 220.The second lens group frame 320 is disposed on the inside in the radialdirection of the third rectilinear frame 130, and supports the secondlens group L2. The third lens group frame 330 is housed in the shutterframe 335, and supports the third lens group L3 used for image blurcorrection. The third lens group frame 330 is supported pivotably in theradial direction by the shutter frame 335, and constitutes an image blurcorrection mechanism along with the third lens group L3.

The shutter frame 335 is disposed on the inside in the radial directionof the third rectilinear frame 130, and has a built-in shuttermechanism. The shutter frame 335 supports the third lens group frame 330pivotably in the radial direction. A control-use flexible wire 335 a isconnected to the shutter frame 335.

The control-use flexible wire 335 a is disposed along the innerperipheral face of the stationary frame 100, and is connected to acontrol device (not shown). The control-use flexible wire 335 atransmits control signals to the shutter mechanism and the image blurcorrection mechanism (discussed below). The second cosmetic frame 302 isa cylindrical sheet metal member that covers the outer periphery of thesecond rectilinear frame 120.

3. Third Movable Lens Barrel Part 23

The third movable lens barrel part 23 has the first lens group frame310, the first lens group L1, and the third cosmetic frame 303.

The first lens group frame 310 is disposed between the secondrectilinear frame 120 and the second rotary frame 220. The first lensgroup frame 310 supports the first lens group L1, which is used to bringlight into the lens barrel 20. The third cosmetic frame 303 is acylindrical sheet metal member that covers the outer periphery of thefirst lens group frame 310.

4. Stationary Lens Barrel Part 24

The stationary lens barrel part 24 has the stationary frame 100, thefourth lens group frame 340, the fourth lens group L4, the zoom motorzoom motor 241, the zoom gear 242, the focus motor 243, the masterflange 244, the imaging element 245, and the imaging element flexiblewire 245 a.

The stationary frame 100 is a cylindrical plastic member disposed on theoutside in the radial direction of the first rotary frame 210 and thefirst rectilinear frame 110. The fourth lens group frame 340 is attachedto the master flange 244, and is driven in the optical axis direction bythe focus motor 243. The fourth lens group frame 340 supports the fourthlens group L4, which is used for focal adjustment.

The zoom motor 241 is a drive source that is used to deploy the first tothird movable lens barrel parts 21 to 23, and is attached to the sideface of the stationary frame 100. The zoom gear 242 transmits the driveforce of the zoom motor 241 to the first rotary frame 210. The front endof the zoom gear 242 is supported by the stationary frame 100, and therear end of the zoom gear 242 is supported by the master flange 244. Thefocus motor 243 is a drive source that is used to drive the fourth lensgroup frame 340 in the optical axis direction, and is attached to themaster flange 244. The master flange 244 is a flat plastic member thatcovers the rear of the stationary frame 100. The imaging element 245 isfitted into the center of the master flange 244. The imaging elementflexible wire 245 a is affixed to the rear face of the master flange244. The imaging element flexible wire 245 a is connected to a controldevice (not shown), and transmits signals from the imaging element 245.

Configuration of Frames

The frames that make up the lens barrel 20 will now be described throughreference to the drawings. More specifically, the configurations of thestationary frame 100, the first rectilinear frame 110, the first rotaryframe 210, the second rectilinear frame 120, the second rotary frame220, the third rectilinear frame 130, the first lens group frame 310,the second lens group frame 320, the third lens group frame 330, and theshutter frame 335 will be described in order, after which we willdescribe how the frames are engaged with each other.

1. Configuration of Stationary Frame 100

FIG. 37 is an oblique view of the stationary frame 100. The stationaryframe 100 has the stationary frame main body 101 and the zoom gearsupport 102.

The stationary frame main body 101 is formed in a cylindrical shape, andhas an inner peripheral face 100S and an outer peripheral face 100T.

The support 102 is provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheralface 100T. The support 102 rotatably supports the front end of the zoomgear 242. In this embodiment, the support 102 is covered by the frontpanel 11, so it is not exposed on the outside of the housing 10 (seeFIG. 34). The teeth of the zoom gear 242 protrude on the inside of thestationary frame main body 101.

The stationary frame 100 has five rectilinear grooves a1 and three camgrooves b1. In FIG. 37, however, only three rectilinear grooves a1 andtwo cam grooves b1 are shown.

The five rectilinear grooves al are formed in the inner peripheral face100S in the optical axis direction, and are suitably spaced apart in theperipheral direction.

The three cam grooves b1 are formed in the inner peripheral face 100S soas to intersect the optical axis direction.

2. Configuration of First Rectilinear Frame 110

FIG. 38 is an oblique view of the first rectilinear frame 110. The firstrectilinear frame 110 has a first rectilinear frame main body 111, fiverectilinear protrusions A1, three rectilinear grooves a2, a bayonetgroove e1, and a bayonet protrusion E0.

The rectilinear frame main body 111 is formed in a cylindrical shape,and has an inner peripheral face 110S and an outer peripheral face 110T.

The five rectilinear protrusions A1 are provided at the rear end of theouter peripheral face 110T. The five rectilinear protrusions A1 areengaged with the five rectilinear grooves a1 of the stationary frame100.

The three rectilinear grooves a2 are formed in the inner peripheral face110S in the optical axis direction.

The bayonet groove e1 is formed in an arc shape in the peripheraldirection at the rear end of the inner peripheral face 110S. The bayonetgroove e1 intersects the three rectilinear grooves a2.

The bayonet protrusion E0 is disposed at the front end of the innerperipheral face 110S. The bayonet protrusion E0 is formed in an arcshape in the peripheral direction. In this embodiment, a plurality ofbayonet protrusions E0 are provided in the peripheral direction.

3. Configuration of First Rotary Frame 210

FIG. 39 is an oblique view of the first rotary frame 210. The firstrotary frame 210 has a first rotary frame main body 211 and the gearportion 212.

The first rotary frame main body 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape,and has an inner peripheral face 210S and an outer peripheral face 210T.

The gear portion 212 is provided to the rear end of the outer peripheralface 210T, and is formed in the peripheral direction. When the gearportion 212 meshes with the zoom gear 242, the first rotary frame 210 isrotated in the peripheral direction by the drive force of the zoom motor241. Although not depicted, the gear portion 212 is located further tothe rear than the rectilinear protrusions A1 of the first rectilinearframe 110.

The first rotary frame 210 has three cam followers B1, three bayonetprotrusions El, three cam grooves b2, a bayonet groove e0, and threerectilinear grooves a3. In FIG. 39, however, only one of the rectilineargrooves a3 is shown.

The three cam followers B1 are provided to the rear end of the outerperipheral face 210T. Two of the three cam followers B1 are disposed atthe two ends of the gear portion 212. The three cam followers B1 areengaged with the three cam grooves b1 of the stationary frame 100.

The bayonet protrusions E1 are formed in the peripheral direction at therear end of the outer peripheral face 210T. The bayonet protrusions E1are disposed in front of the gear portion 212. The bayonet protrusionsE1 are engaged with the bayonet groove e1 of the first rectilinear frame110. In this embodiment, the bayonet protrusions E1 and the bayonetgroove e1 constitute a bayonet mechanism for rotatably engaging thefirst rotary frame 210 in the first rectilinear frame 110.

The three cam grooves b2 pass through the first rotary frame main body211 from the inner peripheral face 210S to the outer peripheral face210T.

The bayonet groove e0 is formed at the front end of the outer peripheralface 210T. The bayonet groove e0 is formed in an arc shape in theperipheral direction. The bayonet groove e0 intersects the three camgrooves b2. The bayonet protrusions E0 are engaged with the bayonetgroove e0.

The three rectilinear grooves a3 are formed in the inner peripheral face210S in the optical axis direction. Two of the three rectilinear groovesa3 are close together, and are formed from 120° to 180° away from theother one.

4. Configuration of Second Rectilinear Frame 120

FIG. 40 is an oblique view of the second rectilinear frame 120. Thesecond rectilinear frame 120 has a second rectilinear frame main body121 and two latching portions 122.

The second rectilinear frame main body 121 is formed in a cylindricalshape, and has an inner peripheral face 120S and an outer peripheralface 120T.

The two latching portions 122 are provided on the rear end face of thesecond rectilinear frame main body 121, and protrude toward the rear.The two latching portions 122 are formed at substantially symmetricalpositions around the optical axis AX (see FIG. 3). As will be discussedbelow, when the two latching portions 122 are latched to the thirdrectilinear frame 130, the relative rotation of the third rectilinearframe 130 with respect to the second rectilinear frame 120 is checked.In this embodiment, one of the two latching portions 122 is formedlonger in the peripheral direction than the other one.

The second rectilinear frame 120 has three rectilinear cam followersAB2, three rectilinear grooves a4, and the bayonet groove e2.

The three rectilinear cam followers AB2 are provided at the rear end ofthe outer peripheral face 120T, and are disposed at a substantiallyconstant pitch in the peripheral direction. The three rectilinear camfollowers AB2 are engaged with the three cam grooves b2 of the firstrotary frame 210. Also, the three rectilinear cam followers AB2 passthrough the three cam grooves b2 and are engaged with the threerectilinear grooves a2 of the first rectilinear frame 110.

The three rectilinear grooves a4 are formed in the inner peripheral face120S in the optical axis direction. The three rectilinear grooves a4 aredisposed at a substantially constant pitch in the peripheral direction.

The bayonet groove e2 is formed at the rear end of the inner peripheralface 120S. The bayonet groove e2 intersects the three rectilineargrooves a4.

5. Configuration of Second Rotary Frame 220

FIG. 41 is an oblique view of the second rotary frame 220. The secondrotary frame 220 has a second rotary frame main body 221, threerectilinear protrusions A3, three bayonet protrusions E2, two bayonetgrooves e3, three cam grooves b3, three cam grooves b4, three camgrooves b5, and three cam followers B6. In FIG. 41, however, only twoeach of the cam grooves b3, the cam grooves b4, and the cam grooves b5are shown.

The second rotary frame main body 221 is formed in a cylindrical shape,and has an inner peripheral face 220S and an outer peripheral face 220T.

The three rectilinear protrusions A3 are provided at the rear end of theouter peripheral face 220T, two of the three rectilinear protrusions A3are close together in the peripheral direction, and the other one isseparated by about 120° or more from the two rectilinear protrusions A3that are close together. The three rectilinear protrusions A3 areengaged with the three rectilinear grooves a3 of the first rotary frame210.

The three bayonet protrusions E2 are formed in the peripheral directionat the rear end of the outer peripheral face 220T. The three bayonetprotrusions E2 are disposed in front of the three rectilinearprotrusions A3. The bayonet protrusions E2 are engaged with the bayonetgroove e2 of the second rectilinear frame 120. In this embodiment, thebayonet protrusions E2 and the bayonet groove e2 constitute a bayonetmechanism for rotatably engaging the second rotary frame 220 with thesecond rectilinear frame 120.

The two bayonet grooves e3 are formed in the approximate center of theinner peripheral face 220S in the peripheral direction. The two bayonetgrooves e3 are formed parallel to each other. The two bayonet grooves e3intersect with the cam grooves b4 and the cam grooves b5.

The three cam grooves b3 are formed in the outer peripheral face 220T soas to intersect with the optical axis direction, and are disposed at asubstantially constant pitch in the peripheral direction.

The cam grooves b4 and the cam grooves b5 are formed in the innerperipheral face 220S. The cam grooves b4 and the cam grooves b5intersect each other.

6. Configuration of Third Rectilinear Frame 130

FIGS. 42A and 42B are oblique views of the third rectilinear frame 130.The third rectilinear frame 130 has the third rectilinear frame mainbody 131, the flange 132, and the two latching recesses 133.

The third rectilinear frame main body 131 is formed in a cylindricalshape, and has an inner peripheral face 130S and an outer peripheralface 130T.

The flange 132 is formed in an annular shape, and is provided on therear end of the outer peripheral face 130T.

The two latching recesses 133 are cut-outs formed in the outer edge ofthe flange 132. The two latching recesses 133 are formed insubstantially symmetrical positions around the optical axis AX (see FIG.3). FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram in which the second rectilinear frame120, the second rotary frame 220, and the third rectilinear frame 130have been put together. As shown in FIG. 43, when the two latchingportions 122 of the second rectilinear frame 120 are latched to the twolatching recesses 133 of the third rectilinear frame 130, relativerotation of the third rectilinear frame 130 with respect to the secondrectilinear frame 120 is checked. One of the two latching recesses 133is formed longer in the peripheral direction than the other one,corresponding to the fact that one of the two latching portions 122 isformed longer in the peripheral direction than the other one. Thisincreases the strength of the two latching recesses 133.

The third rectilinear frame 130 has two bayonet protrusions E3, threerectilinear grooves a5, and three rectilinear grooves a6. In FIG. 42A,however, only two of the bayonet protrusions E3 are shown.

The two bayonet protrusions E3 are formed in the peripheral direction inthe approximate center of the outer peripheral face 130T. Two of thebayonet protrusions E3 are formed parallel to each other. The twobayonet protrusions E3 are engaged with the two bayonet grooves e3 ofthe second rotary frame 220. In this embodiment, the bayonet protrusionsE3 and the bayonet grooves e3 constitute a bayonet mechanism forrotatably engaging the third rectilinear frame 130 with the secondrotary frame 220.

The three rectilinear grooves a5 pass through the third rectilinearframe main body 131 from the inner peripheral face 130S to the outerperipheral face 130T. The three rectilinear grooves a5 extend in theoptical axis direction, and are disposed at a substantially constantpitch in the peripheral direction.

The three rectilinear grooves a6 pass through the third rectilinearframe main body 131 from the inner peripheral face 130S to the outerperipheral face 130T. The three rectilinear grooves a6 extend in theoptical axis direction, and are disposed at a substantially constantpitch in the peripheral direction.

In this embodiment, the three rectilinear grooves a5 and the threerectilinear grooves a6 are disposed alternately in the peripheraldirection.

As shown in FIG. 42A, the third rectilinear frame 130 further has theguide groove a7 (an example of a first cam portion) formed in the innerperipheral face of the third rectilinear frame main body 131, and thereinforcing portion 130H (shaded part) formed near the guide groove a7.

The guide groove a7 guides the driven portion 411 (see FIG. 47A;discussed below) as a cam follower. The guide groove a7 and the drivenportion 411 constitute a cam mechanism for moving the retracting lensframe 401. This cam mechanism changes the orientation of the retractinglens frame 401 when the third rectilinear frame 130 moves relative tothe retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 42A, the guide groove a7 has a portion that is inclinedto the optical axis direction (inclined part) and a portion is thatparallel to the optical axis direction (parallel part). When the drivenportion 411 is guided by this inclined part, the retracting lens frame401 rotates around the retraction shaft 501 b. The retracting lens frame401 transitions between an image blur correction enabled position and aretracted position by rotating around the retraction shaft 501 b.

The retracting lens frame 401 is biased by the rotary spring 403 fromthe retracted position toward the image blur correction enabledposition. More precisely, this biasing direction is around theretraction shaft 501 b, is perpendicular to the optical axis direction,and is a direction in which the retracting lens frame 401 enters itsimaging enabled state. Specifically, this biasing direction is adirection in which the optical axis direction of the third lens group L3is aligned with the optical axis direction of the other lenses.

Therefore, when the guide groove a7 and the driven portion 411 cause theretracting lens frame 401 to rotate against the biasing force of therotary spring 403, the driven portion 411 comes into contact with oneside (one side face) of the guide groove a7. The guide groove a7 is inthe form of a groove. Specifically, the guide groove a7 is made up ofthree faces. These three faces constitute a side face on the front sidein the optical axis direction, a side face on the rear side in theoptical axis direction, and a bottom face that is parallel to theoptical axis direction and connects the first two faces. The contactface of the guide groove a7 that comes into contact with the drivenportion 411 is the side face on the rear side in the optical axisdirection. Therefore, the retracting lens frame 401 is rotated as longas the side face on the rear side in the optical axis direction isprovided.

However, because the guide groove a7 is groove shaped, that is, consistsof three faces, the position of the driven portion 411 is reliablymaintained by the guide groove a7 even if the camera is dropped,subjected to an impact, etc., so the orientation of the retracting lensframe 401 is kept stable. Furthermore, even if the rotational load ofthe retracting lens frame 401 is increased over the rotational force ofthe rotary spring 403 due to the influence of wear through continuoususe or of the adhesion of foreign matter in the guide groove a7, theretracting lens frame 401 is forcibly rotated.

The side face on the front side in the optical axis direction and theside face on the rear side in the optical axis direction of the guidegroove a7 are formed in a tapered shape (that is, a sloped face shape)with respect to the direction perpendicular to the optical axisdirection. The angle of the sloped face to the direction perpendicularto the optical axis direction is smaller for the side face on the rearside in the optical axis direction than for the side face on the frontside in the optical axis direction. The smaller is the angle of thesloped face to the direction perpendicular to the optical axisdirection, the less torque loss is produced by the rotational load.

As discussed above, during normal operation, that is, when the camera isnot dropped or otherwise subjected to impact, and there is no adheredforeign matter, worn parts, etc., only the side face on the rear side inthe optical axis direction is in contact with the driven portion 411.Accordingly, the above effect can be obtained as long as at least theangle of the side face on the rear side in the optical axis directionwith respect to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis issmall.

Because the guide groove a7 that engages with the driven portion 411 isformed in the third rectilinear frame 130, rotation of the retractinglens frame 401 is started earlier during the transition period betweenthe imaging enabled state and the housed state. If the guide groove a7is provided to the stationary portion of the imaging element holder orthe like, the retracting lens frame 401 usually is remote from thestationary portion in the optical axis direction. Accordingly, duringthe transition period between the imaging enabled state and the housedstate, the guide groove a7 and the retracting lens frame 401 cannot beinstantly engaged, and the rotation of the retracting lens frame 401cannot be started right away.

In contrast, if the guide groove a7 is provided to the third rectilinearframe 130, then during the transition period between the imaging enabledstate and the housed state, the guide groove a7 and the driven portion411 always are close enough to engage. Accordingly, if the guide groovea7 is provided to the third rectilinear frame 130, the rotation of theretracting lens frame 401 is started right away during the transitionperiod between the imaging enabled state and the housed state.

Also, because the guide groove a7 that engages with the driven portion411 is formed in the third rectilinear frame 130, this improves therotational accuracy of the retracting lens frame 401. For example, ifthe guide groove a7 is provided to the stationary portion of the imagingelement holder or the like, there is the risk that more parts will be inbetween the driven portion 411 and the guide groove a7. The more ofthese parts there are, the worse is the relative positional accuracy ofthe retracting lens frame 401. In contrast, if the guide groove a7 isprovided to the third rectilinear frame 130, there are relatively fewparts in between the driven portion 411 and the guide groove a7, so therelative positional accuracy of the retracting lens frame 401 isincreased.

Also, as discussed above, if the guide groove a7 is provided to thestationary portion of the imaging element holder or the like, there willbe more parts in between the driven portion 411 and the guide groove a7,so this adversely affects the relative rotational accuracy of theretracting lens frame 401. Furthermore, if the retracting lens frame 401is mounted to the OIS frame 400 so as to be rotatable around an axisparallel to the optical axis, there is a further loss of relativerotational accuracy between the driven portion 411 and the guide groovea7. To put this another way, if a retraction mechanism is constitutedand the OIS frame 400 is mounted to the shutter frame 335 so as to beable to operate in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (that is,if an image blur correction mechanism is constituted), there is afurther loss of relative rotational accuracy between the driven portion411 and the guide groove a7. However, if the guide groove a7 is providedto the third rectilinear frame 130, there is relatively few parts inbetween the driven portion 411 and the guide groove a7, so there isbetter relative rotational accuracy of the retracting lens frame 401.

Also, because the guide groove a7 that engages with the driven portion411 is formed in the third rectilinear frame 130, the guide groove a7 iseasily constituted by three faces, namely, the side face on the frontside in the optical axis direction, the side face on the rear side inthe optical axis direction, and the face (bottom face) that is parallelto the optical axis and connects the above-mentioned two faces.

On the other hand, if the guide groove a7 is provided to the stationaryportion of the imaging element holder or the like, the guide groove a7has to be formed in the stationary portion of the imaging elementholder. Here, if an attempt is made to form the three faces constitutingthe guide groove a7 in the stationary portion of the imaging elementholder, then the stationary portion of the imaging element holder or thelike ends up being larger. Also, if the guide groove a7 is formed in asmall space in order to avoid making the stationary portion of theimaging element holder larger, then the guide groove a7 does not bestrong enough.

However, if the guide groove a7 is provided to the third rectilinearframe 130, since the third rectilinear frame 130 is cylindrical, it iseasy to provide the three faces of the guide groove a7. Also, in thiscase there is no need to form the guide groove a7 in the stationaryportion of the imaging element holder or the like, so there is no needto make the stationary portion of the imaging element holder larger.Also, in this case, since the portion where the guide groove a7 isformed is cylindrical, the strength of the guide groove a7 can also beimproved.

Furthermore, because the guide groove a7 that engages with the drivenportion 411 is formed in the third rectilinear frame 130, centeringduring retraction can be performed more accurately. If the guide groovea7 is provided to the third rectilinear frame 130, a mechanism forcentering the OIS frame 400 also is formed in the third rectilinearframe 130. Accordingly, there is better positional accuracy of theretracting lens frame 401 and the OIS frame 400.

The reinforcing portion 130H is formed locally on the third rectilinearframe main body 131. The reinforcing portion 130H is formed on the innerperipheral face of the third rectilinear frame main body 131. Morespecifically, the reinforcing portion 130H is formed on the thirdrectilinear frame main body 131 so as to protrude toward the inside ofthe third rectilinear frame main body 131. That is, using the outerperipheral face of the third rectilinear frame main body 131 as areference, the reinforcing portion 130H is formed so that the thicknessof the reinforcing portion 130H increases toward the inner peripheralside over the thickness of the other portion. The reinforcing portion130H is formed near the guide groove a7, such as adjacent to the guidegroove a7.

The thickness of the reinforcing portion 130H is determined by the depthof the guide groove a7. Specifically, the thickness of the reinforcingportion 130H is set so that the depth of the guide groove a7 (the radialdirection dimension of the guide groove a7) fits in the reinforcingportion 130H. The depth of the guide groove a7 is determined by the size(height) of the driven portion 411 inserted into the guide groove a7.The depth of the guide groove a7 (the radial direction dimension of theguide groove a7) is set so as to accommodate the height of the drivenportion 411 (the radial direction dimension of the driven portion 411).

The thickness of the third rectilinear frame main body 131 is preferablyas thin as possible in order to reduce the outside diameter of the lensbarrel 20. However, the cam mechanism for moving the retracting lensframe 401, that is, the portion where the guide groove a7 and the drivenportion 411 engage, needs to be strong, so a certain amount of thicknessis necessary. If this portion having a certain thickness is formed onthe inner peripheral face side of the third rectilinear frame main body131, the outside diameter of the third rectilinear frame main body 131is kept from becoming larger. Specifically, an increase in the outsidediameter of the lens barrel 20 is suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 42B, the third rectilinear frame 130 has three shuntinggrooves a9 for restricting movement of the OIS frame 400 with respect tothe shutter frame 335 or the third rectilinear frame 130. The threeshunting grooves a9 are formed in the inner peripheral face 130S of thethird rectilinear frame main body 131. The three shunting grooves a9 areformed in the third rectilinear frame main body 131 spaced a specificdistance apart from each other in the peripheral direction on the innerperipheral face 130S.

The three shunting grooves a9 are grooves extending in the optical axisdirection. The shunting grooves a9 are formed so that the groove part islarger on the flange 132 side. More specifically, the shunting groovesa9 have a first groove a91, a second groove a92, and a third groove a93.The first groove a91 and the second groove a92 are such that the shapeof their cross section perpendicular to the optical axis issemicircular, semi-elliptical, trapezoidal, rectangular, parabolic, or acombination of these.

The first groove a91 is a groove part formed on the flange 132 side. Thewidth and depth of the first groove a91 are greater than the width anddepth of the second groove a92. The third groove a93 is in the form of asloped face, a conical face, a curved face, or a shape that is acombination of these, so as to smoothly change from the width and depthof the first groove a91 to the width and depth of the second groove a92.When the shunting protrusions 404 (see FIG. 48A) of the OIS frame 400(discussed below) are disposed in the first grooves a91, the shuntingprotrusions 404 are movable inside the first grooves a91. Specifically,in this case the OIS frame 400 is movable within a plane perpendicularto the optical axis with respect to the third rectilinear frame 130 orthe shutter frame 335.

The second groove a92 is a groove part extending in the optical axisdirection from the first groove a91. When the shunting protrusions 404(see FIG. 48A) of the OIS frame 400 (discussed below) are disposed inthe second grooves a92, the OIS frame 400 is constricted in the radialdirection and the peripheral direction with respect to the thirdrectilinear frame 130 or the shutter frame 335. Consequently, movementof the OIS frame 400 is restricted with respect to the third rectilinearframe 130 or the shutter frame 335.

The third groove a93 is a groove part extending in the optical axisdirection, and links the first groove a91 and the second groove a92.When the shunting protrusions 404 (see FIG. 48A) of the OIS frame 400(discussed below) are disposed in the third grooves a93, the OIS frame400 transitions from a state of being movable within a planeperpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the third rectilinearframe 130 or the shutter frame 335, to a state of being graduallyrestricted in the radial direction and the peripheral direction.

Specifically, when the shunting protrusions 404 of the OIS frame 400 aredisposed from the first grooves a91, via the third grooves a93, in thesecond grooves a92, this centers the OIS frame 400.

The mechanism for centering the OIS frame 400 (centering mechanism) isconstituted by the shunting grooves a9 (a91, a92, and a93) of the thirdrectilinear frame 130 and the shunting protrusions 404 of the OIS frame400.

7. Configuration of First Lens Group Frame 310

FIG. 44 is an oblique view of the first lens group frame 310. The firstlens group frame 310 has a first lens group frame main body 311, threerectilinear protrusions A4, and three cam followers B3.

The first lens group frame main body 311 is formed in a cylindricalshape, and has an inner peripheral face 310S and an outer peripheralface 310T. Three protrusions 311 a that protrude toward the rear areformed on the first lens group frame main body 311.

The three rectilinear protrusions A4 are provided to the outerperipheral face 310T of the protrusions 311 a, and are disposed at asubstantially constant pitch in the peripheral direction. The threerectilinear protrusions A4 are engaged with the three rectilineargrooves a4 of the second rectilinear frame 120.

The three cam followers B3 are provided to the inner peripheral face310S of the protrusions 311 a, and are disposed at a substantiallyconstant pitch in the peripheral direction. The three cam followers B3are engaged with the three cam grooves b3 of the second rotary frame220.

In this embodiment, the three rectilinear protrusions A4 and the threecam followers B3 are disposed substantially opposite each other, withthe protrusions 311 a in between.

8. Configuration of Second Lens Group Frame 320

FIG. 45A is an oblique view of the second lens group frame 320. FIG. 45Bis a view of the second lens group frame 320 from the front. FIG. 45C isan oblique view of the relation between the second lens group frame 320and the sheet member 324.

As shown in FIG. 45A, the second lens group frame 320 has a second lensgroup frame main body 321, a second lens support 321L for supporting thesecond lens group L2, a housing receptacle 322 (an example of arestrictor that restricts movement of the retracting lens frame 401;discussed below), a housing portion 323, three rectilinear protrusionsA5, and three cam protrusions B4.

The second lens group frame main body 321 is formed in a cup shape, andhas an outer peripheral face 320T.

The housing receptacle 322 is used to position the retracting lens frame401 by restricting movement of the retracting lens frame 401 during thetransition period between the imaging enabled state and the housedstate, and coming into contact with the positioning portion 412 of theretracting lens frame 401. As shown in FIG. 45A, the housing receptacle322 is formed integrally with the second lens group frame main body 321.More precisely, the housing receptacle 322 is formed integrally with thesecond lens group frame main body 321 on the outer peripheral part ofthe second lens support 321L (the portion supporting the second lensgroup L2). The housing receptacle 322 has the guide portion 322 a thatguides the 301 to the retracted position by coming into contact with thepositioning portion 412 of the retracting lens frame 401, and thesupport portion 322 b that supports the retracting lens frame 401 at theretracted position (see FIG. 50A).

The guide portion 322 a has a sloped face. The sloped face is formed sothat the distance from the optical axis AX decreases moving toward theimaging element side along the optical axis AX.

The cam mechanism constituted by the guide groove a7 and the drivenportion 411 is such that the third rectilinear frame 130 movesrelatively in the optical axis direction with respect to the retractinglens frame 401, which changes the orientation of the retracting lensframe 401. After this, the positioning portion 412 of the retractinglens frame 401 is brought into contact with the guide portion 322 a(sloped face), which guides the retracting lens frame 401 to theretracted position.

The support portion 322 b is a portion extending in the optical axisdirection, and supports the retracting lens frame 401. As discussedabove, the positioning portion 412 of the retracting lens frame 401guided by the guide portion 322 a is supported in a state of being incontact with the support portion 322 b.

As shown in FIGS. 45A to 45C, the housing portion 323 is a portion forhousing at least part of the OIS frame 400 and the retracting lens frame401 in the retracted state. The housing portion 323 has a first housingportion 323 a and a second housing portion 323 b.

The first housing portion 323 a is used to house a second linkingportion 408 of the OIS frame 400 (discussed below). The first housingportion 323 a is a hole provided on the front face side of the secondlens group frame main body 321. The first housing portion 323 a isprovided above the second lens group L2. The first housing portion 323 ais formed in a shape substantially similar to the outer shape of thesecond linking portion 408.

At least part of the first housing portion 323 a and at least part ofthe second linking portion 408 overlap in the optical axis direction.This allows the size of the lens barrel 20 to be smaller in the opticalaxis direction in the housed state.

The second housing portion 323 b is used to house the retraction shaft501 b. The second housing portion 323 b is a hole provided on the frontface side of the second lens group frame main body 321. The secondhousing portion 323 b is formed in a substantially circular shape.

As shown in FIG. 45B, the sheet member 324 is affixed to the front faceof the second lens group frame 320. The sheet member 324 prevents lightfrom leaking out of the hole in the front face of the second lens groupframe 320 (including the housing portion 323).

The three rectilinear protrusions A5 are formed on the rear end of theouter peripheral face 320T, and are disposed at a substantially constantpitch in the peripheral direction. The three rectilinear protrusions A5are engaged with the three rectilinear grooves a5 of the thirdrectilinear frame 130.

The three cam protrusions B4 are formed on the three rectilinearprotrusions A5. The three cam protrusions B4 are engaged with the threecam grooves b4 of the second rotary frame 220.

9. Configuration of Third Lens Group Frame 330

FIG. 46A shows the state when the third lens group frame 330 has beenhoused in the interior of the shutter frame 335. The configuration ofthe third lens group frame 330 will be described through reference toFIG. 46A.

The third lens group frame 330 (an OIS (optical image stabilizer) unit)mainly has the OIS frame 400 (an example of a support frame), theretracting lens frame 401, the thrust spring 402 (an example of a firstbiasing means), the rotary spring 403 (an example of a second biasingmeans, and an example of a biasing member), and the third lens group L3for image blur correction.

As shown in FIGS. 46A and 47A, the OIS frame 400 is mounted to theshutter frame 335. The optical axis direction position of the OIS frame400 with respect to the shutter frame 335 is maintained because threeOIS shafts 339 that are press-fitted to the shutter frame 335 areinserted into optical axis direction maintenance portions 415 at threeplaces on the OIS frame 400 (only two of the optical axis directionmaintenance portions 415 are shown in FIG. 47A). As shown in FIG. 47A,the position of the OIS frame 400 in a direction perpendicular to theoptical axis with respect to the shutter frame 335 is maintained becauseone OIS rotary shaft 334 press-fitted to the shutter frame 335 isinserted into a perpendicular direction maintenance portion 416 at oneplace on the OIS frame 400 in the optical axis direction, and an opticalaxis direction stopper pin 409 comes into contact with the peripheralwall of a movable range restrictor 338 of the OIS frame 400 (see FIG.51B).

As shown in FIGS. 47A and 48A, a space ST is formed in the OIS frame 400in order to house the third lens support 420 that supports the thirdlens group L3 supported by the retracting lens frame 401 in the imagingenabled state. When the retracting lens frame 401 has been retracted,the second lens support 321L of the second lens group frame 320 ishoused in this space ST.

The OIS frame 400 also has a main body portion 405, a first linkingportion 407, and the second linking portion 408. The main body portion405 has a hole 405 a and a first cut-out 405 b (an example of a cut-outin the OIS frame 400).

The hole 405 a forms the above-mentioned space ST. The hole 405 a isformed in the center of the main body portion 405. The third lenssupport 420 that supports the third lens group L3 in the imaging enabledstate is disposed in the hole 405 a. The hole 405 a also houses thesecond lens support 321L of the second lens group frame 320 whenretracted.

The first cut-out 405 b is formed contiguous with the hole 405 a. Thefirst cut-out 405 b is formed on the outer peripheral part of the mainbody portion 405.

The first linking portion 407 serves to increase the strength of themain body portion 405. The first linking portion 407 is formedintegrally with the main body portion 405. More specifically, the firstlinking portion 407 is formed integrally with the main body portion 405,spanning to the first cut-out 405 b, on the shutter frame 335 side ofthe main body portion 405.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 46B and 47B, the portion of the shutter frame335 that is opposite the first linking portion 407 at the face of ashutter frame main body 336 on the front side in the optical axisdirection is locally made thinner, and the first linking portion 407goes into this thinner part 350. Specifically, at least part of theshutter frame 335 and at least part of the first linking portion 407overlap in the optical axis direction. This allows the lens barrel 20 tobe even smaller in the optical axis direction.

The protrusions 404 (see FIG. 48A) used to center the OIS frame 400substantially at an optical axis position protrude in the radialdirection from the side faces of the OIS frame 400. The side wall holes351 are provided in the shutter frame main body 336 side walls as shownin FIG. 47A in order to insert these protrusions 404 into the side wallsof the shutter frame main body 336. The OIS frame 400 comprises sidewalls 417 that substantially cover the side wall holes 351 in theshutter frame main body 336. This prevents light from leaking throughthe side wall holes 351 in the shutter frame main body 336.

As shown in FIG. 46B, three light blocking walls 352 that protrude inthe radial direction are formed on the side faces of the shutter framemain body 336. The peripheral direction positions of the three lightblocking walls 352 correspond to the peripheral direction positions ofthe three rectilinear grooves a6 of the third rectilinear frame 130. Theperipheral direction width of the three light blocking walls 352 issubstantially the same as or less than the peripheral direction width ofthe three rectilinear grooves a6 of the third rectilinear frame 130.This prevents light from leaking out through the three rectilineargrooves a6 of the third rectilinear frame 130.

As shown in FIG. 48A, the OIS frame 400 has the shunting protrusions 404that engage with the shunting grooves a9 of the third rectilinear frame130. The shunting protrusions 404 are formed integrally with the mainbody portion 405 of the OIS frame 400. More specifically, the twoshunting protrusions 404 are formed on the main body portion 405 so asto protrude outward from the outer peripheral part of the main bodyportion. Also, the two shunting protrusions 404 are formed integrallywith the main body portion 405, spaced apart by a specific distance,around the outer peripheral part of the main body portion 405. The twoshunting protrusions 404 are specially fitted into and guided by the twoshunting grooves a9 of the third rectilinear frame 130.

More specifically, when the OIS frame 400 moves closer to the thirdrectilinear frame 130 in a state in which the OIS frame 400 has beenmounted to the shutter frame 335, the shunting protrusions 404 formed onthe OIS frame 400 are introduced from the flange 132 side of the thirdrectilinear frame 130 into the first grooves a91 of the thirdrectilinear frame 130. In a state in which the shunting protrusions 404are disposed in the first grooves a91, the OIS frame 400 is movablewithin a plane perpendicular to the third rectilinear frame 130 or theshutter frame 335.

Then, when the OIS frame 400 moves further in the optical axis directionon the inner peripheral side of the third rectilinear frame 130 in astate in which the OIS frame 400 has been mounted to the shutter frame335, the shunting protrusions 404 are guided into the third grooves a93.As a result, the OIS frame 400 transitions from a state of being movablewithin a plane perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to thethird rectilinear frame 130 or the shutter frame 335, to a state ofbeing gradually restricted in the radial direction and the peripheraldirection.

When the shunting protrusions 404 are then introduced into the secondgrooves a92, the second grooves a92 press the shunting protrusions 404away from the inner peripheral face 130S of the third rectilinear frame130. Consequently, movement of the OIS frame 400 is restricted in aplane perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the thirdrectilinear frame 130 or the shutter frame 335. This centers the OISframe 400.

When the shunting protrusions 404 are then introduced into the secondgrooves a92, the second grooves a92 press the shunting protrusions 404away from the inner peripheral face 130S of the third rectilinear frame130. Consequently, movement of the OIS frame 400 is restricted in aplane perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the thirdrectilinear frame 130 or the shutter frame 335. This centers the OISframe 400.

When the shunting protrusions 404 are guided by the third grooves a93 ofthe third rectilinear frame 130, the third rectilinear frame 130 ispositioned away from the shunting grooves a9. The retraction of theretracting lens frame 401 begins in this state. Specifically, the drivenportion 411 of the retracting lens frame 401 is guided by the guidegroove a7 of the third rectilinear frame 130. The drive force receivedby the driven portion 411 of the retracting lens frame 401 from theguide groove a7 then acts in the direction of pressing on the shuntinggrooves a9. This reliably restricts looseness between the shuntingprotrusions 404 and the shunting grooves a9. That is, the OIS frame 400is reliably centered.

The centering of the OIS frame 400 in this embodiment is carried outbefore the retracting lens frame 401 begins to retract, but what isimportant is that the centering be completed by the time the retractionoperation is complete.

In a state in which the OIS frame 400 has been mounted to the shutterframe 335, the first linking portion 407 is disposed above the magnets521 and the coil 522 (actuator) that are discussed below.

The second linking portion 408 is provided to increase the strength ofthe main body portion 405 and to block light to the imaging elementside. That is, the second linking portion 408 is also used as a lightblocking portion. The second linking portion 408 is formed integrallywith the main body portion 405. More specifically, the second linkingportion 408 is formed integrally with the main body portion 405,spanning to the first cut-out 405 b, on the subject side of the mainbody portion 405.

The second linking portion 408 is provided at a position that is aspecific distance away from the main body portion 405. Also, the secondlinking portion 408 is provided at a position that is a specificdistance away from the first linking portion 407.

When the retracting lens frame 401 is in its retracted state (housedstate), the third lens support 420 that supports the third lens group L3is disposed in the cut-out 405 b between the first linking portion 407and the second linking portion 408.

The OIS frame 400 is movable in a plane perpendicular to the opticalaxis. More specifically, the magnets 521 are fixed to the OIS frame 400,and the coil 522 is fixed to the shutter frame 335 at a positionopposite the magnets 521. In this state, when power is supplied from acamera circuit (not shown) to the coil 522 of the shutter frame 335,current flows to the coil 522 and a magnetic field is generated. Thismagnetic field drives the magnets 521 of the OIS frame 400, and thisdrive force causes the OIS frame 400 to move within a planeperpendicular to the optical axis.

As shown in FIG. 48A, the OIS frame 400 further has three rail portions503. The three rail portions 503 (503 a to 503 c) are formed on the mainbody portion 405. The rail portions 503 are formed on one face of thesubstantially disk-shaped main body portion 405. The rail portions 503are formed on the main body portion 405 at positions opposite a contactportion 603 formed on the retracting lens frame 401 (the first contactface 603A discussed below).

The rail portions 503 are formed on the portion of the main body portion405 excluding the range where the third lens group L3 supported by theretracting lens frame 401 moves. Furthermore, the rail portions 503 areformed in a shape corresponding to the path over which the contact face603 discussed below (the first contact face 603A) moves when the lensbarrel 20 transitions from the imaging enabled state to the retractedstate.

As shown in FIGS. 48A and 48B, the OIS frame 400 further has ananti-rotation portion 511. The anti-rotation portion 511 is used toposition the retracting lens frame 401 in the imaging enabled state. Theanti-rotation portion 511 is formed integrally with the outer peripheralpart of the main body portion 405.

As shown in FIG. 48B, a recess 512 is formed in the anti-rotationportion 511. A second contact face 603B of the retracting lens frame 401(discussed below) comes into contact with one of two side walls 512 a ofthe recess 512. More specifically, the side walls 512 a are formed atpositions a specific distance away from the surface of the main bodyportion 405. These side walls 512 a are sloped so that they move closerto the opposite side wall (the surface of the main body portion 405) asthey move toward the bottom of the recess 512. This sloping pushes thesecond contact face 603B of the retracting lens frame 401 toward the OISframe 400, and presses the second contact face 603B of the retractinglens frame 401 against the contact face 512 c of the OIS frame 400.

As shown in FIG. 47A, the retracting lens frame 401 is supported by theOIS frame 400 so as to be movable around the retraction shaft 501 b,which is substantially parallel to the optical axis. The retracting lensframe 401 supports the third lens group L3 used to image blur correctionwith the third lens support 420. The third lens group L3 is made up ofone or more lenses.

The term “retraction shaft” as used below will sometimes be used in thesense of “the axis of the retraction shaft.”

As shown in FIG. 47A, the retracting lens frame 401 has the main bodyportion 401 a, the bearing 410, the driven portion 411, the positioningportion 412 (see FIGS. 50A and 52), the third lens support 420, and anengagement portion 413. The bearing 410 is formed integrally with themain body portion 401 a.

As shown in FIGS. 47A and 48A, the bearing 410 is rotatably mounted tothe support shaft 501 b (retraction shaft) provided to the OIS frame400. As shown in FIGS. 49A and 49B, a hole into which the retractionshaft 501 b is inserted is formed in the bearing 410. At least twocontact faces 601 a that come into contact with the retraction shaft 501b are formed in the hole of the bearing 410. In other words, the twocontact faces 601 a are formed in the inner peripheral face of thebearing 410.

The two contact faces 601 a are formed on the proximal end side of theretraction shaft 501 b, that is, on the inner peripheral face of thebearing 410 on the opening side of the bearing 410 (hole). The twocontact faces 601 a are formed on the inner peripheral face of thebearing 410 so as to be in a mutually non-parallel relation. Morespecifically, when the bearing 410 (hole) is viewed in the depthdirection, the two contact faces 601 a are formed on the innerperipheral face of the bearing 410 so as to form an angle.

As shown in FIG. 49B, the two contact faces 601 a (hereinafter referredto as V-faces) come into contact with the outer peripheral face of theretraction shaft 501 b. More specifically, the retracting lens frame 401is biased by the biasing force F0 of the rotary spring 403 (see FIG.49A), and the component force F1 of this biasing force F0 brings theV-faces 601 a of the bearing 410 into contact with the outer peripheralface of the retraction shaft 501 b.

As discussed below, in this embodiment, the other end 403 b of therotary spring 403 is bent. When the other end 403 b of the rotary spring403 is thus formed, the component force F1, that is, the force at whichthe contact faces 601 a of the bearing 410 are brought into contact withthe outer peripheral face of the retraction shaft 501 b, is increasedover that when the other end 403 b of the rotary spring 403 is formedstraight.

This allows the retraction shaft 501 b to be reliably positioned withrespect to the bearing 410 of the retracting lens frame 401. Moreprecisely, accuracy with respect to eccentricity of the retraction shaft501 b can be increased. The component forces of the biasing force F0 inFIG. 49A are F1 and F2.

The driven portion 411 is the portion that is driven against the biasingforce of the rotary spring 403 (discussed below) during the transitionperiod between the imaging enabled state and the housed state. As shownin FIGS. 47A and 52, the driven portion 411 is formed integrally andprotruding outward from the main body portion 401 a. The driven portion411 engages with the guide groove a7 formed in the inner peripheral faceof the third rectilinear frame 130. More precisely, the driven portion411 engages with the guide groove a7 of the third rectilinear frame 130via an opening SK1 (discussed below) in the shutter frame 335. Thedriven portion 411 moves relatively in the optical axis direction withrespect to the retracting lens frame 401, and is thereby guided in theguide groove a7 of the third rectilinear frame 130. This changes theorientation of the retracting lens frame 401 between the imaging enabledstate and the retracted state.

The positioning portion 412 is formed on the portion (the third lenssupport 420) of the retracting lens frame 401 that supports the thirdlens group L3. The positioning portion 412 is positioned in the housingreceptacle 322 of the second lens group frame 320 during the transitionperiod between the imaging enabled state and the housed state.

The positioning portion 412 is formed so that the distance between thepositioning portion 412 and the retraction shaft 501 b becomes greaterthan the distance between the driven portion 411 and the retractionshaft 501 b. More precisely, as shown in FIG. 47A, the positioningportion 412 is formed so that the distance LK1 between the axis of theretraction shaft 501 b and the position where the positioning portion412 comes into contact with the housing receptacle 322 becomes greaterthan the distance LK2 between the axis of the retraction shaft 501 b andthe proximal end of the driven portion 411.

As shown in FIGS. 47A, 50A, and 50B, the third lens support 420 is theportion that supports the third lens group L3. The third lens support420 is in the form of a cylinder. The third lens group L3 is mounted onthe inside of the third lens support 420.

As shown in FIG. 50B, the third lens support 420 has a second cut-out420 a. The second cut-out 420 a is provided to the outer peripheral partof the third lens support 420. More specifically, the second cut-out 420a is a portion that is partially cut away from the outer peripheral partof the third lens support 420. More precisely, at the second cut-out 420a, the side of the outer peripheral part of the third lens support 420that is away from the optical axis in the imaging enabled state when theretracting lens frame 401 is in the retracted state is cut away. Thecut-out 420 a is disposed opposite a light blocking portion 357 (seeFIG. 47A) of the shutter frame 335 (discussed below) during thetransition period between the imaging enabled state and the housedstate.

As shown in FIGS. 47A and 51C, the third lens support 420 is disposedbetween the second linking portion 408 and the face on the front side inthe optical axis direction of the shutter frame main body 336 of theshutter frame 335 during the transition period between the imagingenabled state and the housed state. Also, the third lens support 420 isdisposed between the second linking portion 408 and the first linkingportion 407 when it has entered the thinner part 350 of the face on thefront side in the optical axis direction of the shutter frame main body336. At least part of the shutter frame 335 overlaps at least part ofthe first linking portion 407 in the optical axis direction. This allowsthe lens barrel 20 to be smaller in the optical axis direction in itshoused state.

As shown in FIGS. 51A to 51C, a first engagement portion 413 a is aportion capable of engaging with a first restrictor 337 a of the shutterframe 335 (discussed below). Also, a second engagement portion 413 b isa portion capable of engaging with the second linking portion 408 of theOIS frame 400 (discussed below). The engagement portions here constitutethe first engagement portion 413 a that engages with the firstrestrictor 337 a (discussed below), and the second engagement portion413 b that engages with the second linking portion 408, which acts as arestrictor during the transition period between the imaging enabledstate and the housed state.

As shown in FIGS. 51A and 51B, the first engagement portion 413 a isformed near the retraction shaft 501 b. As shown in FIG. 51B, the firstengagement portion 413 a is disposed between the first restrictor 337 aand the OIS frame 400. The second engagement portion 413 b is formed onthe third lens support 420 that supports the third lens group L3. Thesecond engagement portion 413 b is disposed opposite the second linkingportion 408 formed on the OIS frame 400, during the transition periodbetween the imaging enabled state and the housed state.

As shown in FIG. 52, the retracting lens frame 401 further has theplurality of contact portions 603 (603A and 603B). The contact portions603 are formed integrally with the main body portion 401 a of theretracting lens frame 401. The contact portions 603 are made up of threefirst contact portions 603A (603A1, 603A2, and 603A3) and a secondcontact portion 603B.

The three first contact portions 603A and the second contact portion603B are formed integrally with the main body portion 401 a at adifferent position from the bearing 410. In other words, the three firstcontact portions 603A and the second contact portion 603B are formed onthe main body portion 401 a at a different position from that of theretraction shaft 501 b supported by the bearing 410. Also, the threefirst contact portions 603A and the second contact portion 603B areformed on the main body portion 401 a at a different position from thatof the retraction shaft 501 b so as to be capable of contact with theOIS frame 400.

More precisely, the two contact portions 603A1 and 603A2 out of thethree first contact portions 603A are formed on the main body portion401 a near the retraction shaft 501 b. The two contact portions 603A1and 603A2 are formed on the main body portion 401 a so that theretraction shaft 501 b is disposed between the two contact portions603A1 and 603A2. The other first contact portion 603A3 besides these twocontact portions 603A1 and 603A2, and the second contact portion 603Bare formed on the main body portion 401 a at a position that is awayfrom the retraction shaft 501 b.

The three first contact portions 603A (603A1, 603A2, and 603A3) are ableto come into contact with the OIS frame 400. Specifically, movement ofthe retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis direction isrestricted when the three first contact portions 603A come into contactwith the OIS frame 400.

More precisely, when the three first contact portions 603A come intocontact with the rail portions 503 of the OIS frame 400 (see FIG. 48A),movement of the retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis directionis restricted. More specifically, when the lens barrel 20 is in itsimaging enabled state, the three first contact portions 603A1, 603A2,and 603A3 come into contact with the rail portions 503 a, 503 b, and 503c of the OIS frame 400. The first contact portion 603A1 comes intocontact with the rail portion 503 a, the first contact portion 603A2comes into contact with the rail portion 503 b, and the first contactportion 603A3 comes into contact with the rail portion 503 c.

When the three first contact portions 603A thus come into contact withthe rail portions 503 of the OIS frame 400, this restricts movement ofthe retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis direction.

The second contact portion 603B shown in FIG. 52 is used to position theretracting lens frame 401 on the OIS frame 400. The second contactportion 603B comes into contact with the anti-rotation portion 511 ofthe OIS frame 400 in the imaging enabled state. The outer peripheralpart of the second contact portion 603B is formed so as to be able tomate with the anti-rotation portion 511 of the OIS frame 400. Forexample, the outer peripheral part of the second contact portion 603B isformed in a tapered shape (see FIG. 48B). When the second contactportion 603B is fitted into the recess 512 of the anti-rotation portion511 of the OIS frame 400, the retracting lens frame 401 is reliablypositioned in the imaging enabled state.

As shown in FIG. 47A, the thrust spring 402 is a spring that biases theretracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis direction with respect tothe OIS frame 400. The thrust spring 402 is formed in an approximate Cshape. One end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted to the OIS frame 400,and the other end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted to the retractinglens frame 401. Consequently, the retracting lens frame 401 and the OISframe 400 are clamped by the thrust spring 402 in the optical axisdirection.

As shown in FIG. 47A, the rotary spring 403 is a spring that biases theretracting lens frame 401 around a retraction shaft 510, that is, in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis. The rotary spring 403 issupported by the OIS frame 400. The rotary spring 403 is a torsion coilspring, for example. The coil part of the rotary spring 403 is disposedon the outer periphery of the bearing 410.

One end 403 a of the rotary spring 403 is clamped by latching portions504 a and 504 b (see FIG. 48A) formed on the OIS frame 400. As shown inFIG. 49A, the other end 403 b of the rotary spring 403 is mounted in agroove 605 formed in the retracting lens frame 401. The other end 403 bof the rotary spring 403 is bent in two stages.

As shown in FIG. 49A, the other end 403 b of the rotary spring 403 has afirst bent part 403 b 1 formed on the distal end side, and a second bentpart 403 b 2 formed in the middle. The first bent part 403 b 1 and thesecond bent part 403 b 2 are bent so as to conform to the outer shape ofthe third lens support 420 of the retracting lens frame 401. In thiscase, the first bent part 403 b 1 is mounted in the groove 605 formed inthe retracting lens frame 401.

As shown in FIG. 49A, the first bent part 403 b 1 and the second bentpart 403 b 2 are bent so that a specific angle a is formed by a specificstraight line (horizontal line) passing through the axis of theretraction shaft 501 b, and the first bent part 403 b 1 of the other end403 b of the rotary spring 403.

Thus forming the other end 403 b of the rotary spring 403 increases theforce (component force F1) at which the contact faces 601 a of thebearing 410 come into contact with the outer peripheral face of theretraction shaft 501 b, as discussed above. This allows the retractionshaft 501 b to the reliably positioned with respect to the bearing 410of the retracting lens frame 401.

Because the rotary spring 403 biases the retracting lens frame 401 asdiscussed above, the second contact portion 603B of the retracting lensframe 401 comes into contact with the anti-rotation portion 511 of theOIS frame 400 (see FIGS. 46A and 46B). The retracting lens frame 401 ispositioned with respect to the OIS frame 400 when the retracting lensframe 401 is mounted to the retraction shaft 501 b of the OIS frame 400,and the second contact portion 603B comes into contact with theanti-rotation portion 511 of the OIS frame 400.

As shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B, the position of the retracting lens frame401 is changed from a correction enabled position in which the thirdlens group L3 executes image blur correction (first orientation), to aretracted position in which the third lens group L3 has been retractedfrom the optical axis (second orientation). The retracting lens frame401 supports the third lens group L3, which is made up of at least onelens.

As shown in FIG. 50A, when the retracting lens frame 401 is in thecorrection enabled position, the center of the second lens group L2 andthe center of the third lens group L3 are located on the optical axisAX.

When the retracting lens frame 401 begins to retract, the retractinglens frame 401 and the second lens support 321L of the second lens frame320 move closer together while the retracting lens frame 401 rotates.This causes the positioning portion 412 of the retracting lens frame 401to come into contact with the guide portion 322 a of the second lensframe 320. The positioning portion 412 then moves over the guide portion322 a and reaches the support portion 322 b, and is supported by thesupport portion 322 b. Thus, the retracting lens frame 401 is thussupported by the second lens frame 320.

FIG. 50B shows this state. That is, as shown in FIG. 50B, when theretracting lens frame 401 is in the retracted position, the retractinglens frame 401 comes into contact with the support portion 322 b of thesecond lens group frame 320, and is housed in the space of the secondlens group frame 320, that is, in the space between the second lenssupport 321L and the outer peripheral face 320T (see FIG. 45A). Morespecifically, the retracting lens frame 401 is supported and housed in astate of being in contact with the support portion 322 b of the secondlens frame 320 within the space on the outside in the radial directionof the second lens group L2.

10. Configuration of Shutter Frame 335

The configuration of the shutter frame 335 will now be described throughreference to FIGS. 46A, 47A, and 51A to 51C. As shown in FIG. 46A, theshutter frame 335 has the shutter frame main body 336, the threerectilinear protrusions A6, and the three cam protrusions B5. Also, asshown in FIG. 47A, the shutter frame 335 has the opening 356, the lightblocking portion 357, and the first restrictor 337 a.

The shutter frame main body 336 is formed in a cylindrical shape, andhas an outer peripheral face 335T.

The three rectilinear protrusions A6 are formed on the outer peripheralface 335T, and are disposed at a substantially constant pitch in theperipheral direction. The three rectilinear protrusions A6 are engagedwith the three rectilinear grooves a6 of the third rectilinear frame130.

The three cam protrusions B5 are provided to the front end of the threerectilinear protrusions A6. The three cam protrusions B5 are engagedwith the three cam grooves b5 of the second rotary frame 220.

The opening 356 is a portion that houses a part 420 b of the third lenssupport 420 during the transition period between the imaging enabledstate and the housed state. As shown in FIG. 47A, the part 420 b of thethird lens support 420 is the portion adjacent to the second cut-out 420a during the transition period between the imaging enabled state and thehoused state. More precisely, the light blocking portion 357 is providedto the opening 356 in order to block light rays.

As shown in FIGS. 51A to 51C, the restrictor is a portion that isconfigured to restrict movement of the retracting lens frame 401 in theoptical axis direction. The restrictor has a first restrictor 337 aformed near the retraction shaft 501 b, and a second linking portion 408that acts as a second restrictor and is formed at a position that isaway from the retraction shaft 501 b.

The first restrictor 337 a is formed integrally with the shutter framemain body 336 on the front side (the subject side) of the firstengagement portion 413 a. More specifically, the first restrictor 337 aspans the space SK1 (see FIG. 51B) that houses the members near theretraction shaft 501 b, on the front side (the subject side) of thefirst engagement portion 413 a. The first restrictor 337 a restrictsmovement of the retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis directionnear the retraction shaft 501 b, in the imaging enabled state and theretracted state.

The second linking portion 408 is formed integrally with the OIS frame400. More specifically, when the retracting lens frame 401 is in theretracted state, the second linking portion 408 spans to the front side(the subject side) of the space SK2 (see FIG. 47A) that houses the thirdlens group L3. The second linking portion 408 restricts movement of theretracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis direction near the thirdlens group L3 in the retracted state.

During normal operation, that is, when no strong force is acting on theretracting lens frame 401, such as during an imaging operation, or whenthe power is switched on or off, the retracting lens frame 401 isclamped to the OIS frame 400 by the thrust spring 402, which restrictsits position in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the firstrestrictor 337 a and the second linking portion 408 do not individuallycome into contact with the first engagement portion 413 a and the secondengagement portion 413 b. However, if a strong force (such as when thecamera is dropped) is exerted in the optical axis direction, theretracting lens frame 401 moves in the optical axis direction withrespect to the OIS frame 400 against the force of the thrust spring 402.

When a strong force (such as when the camera is dropped) is exerted inthe optical axis direction in the imaging state, the retracting lensframe 401 moves in the optical axis direction with respect to the OISframe 400, and the first restrictor 337 a comes into contact with thefirst engagement portion 413 a. Accordingly, the thrust spring 402always is operated in its elastic range. Here, the engagement of acontact portion 414 with the retraction shaft 501 b contributes tokeeping the thrust spring 402 in its elastic range.

When a strong force (such as when the camera is dropped) is exerted inthe optical axis direction in the retracted state, the retracting lensframe 401 moves in the optical axis direction with respect to the OISframe 400, and the first restrictor 337 a and the second linking portion408 come into contact with the first engagement portion 413 a and thesecond engagement portion 413 b. Consequently, the thrust spring 402always is operated in its elastic range.

11. Engagement of Frames

FIGS. 53 to 55 are cross sections of the lens barrel 20. However, FIGS.53 to 55 are schematics that combine a plurality of cross sectionspassing through the optical axis AX. The lens barrel 20 is shown in itsretracted state in FIG. 53, in its wide angle state in FIG. 54, and inits telephoto state in FIG. 54. In this embodiment, the “imaging enabledstate” of the digital camera 1 means a state from the wide angle stateto the telephoto state of the lens barrel 20.

The gear portion 212 of the first rotary frame 210 meshes with the zoomgear 242 (not shown). The cam followers B1 of the first rotary frame 210are engaged with the cam grooves b1 of the stationary frame 100.Therefore, the first rotary frame 210 is movable in the optical axisdirection while rotating in the peripheral direction under the driveforce of the zoom motor 241.

The rectilinear protrusions A1 of the first rectilinear frame 110 areengaged with the rectilinear grooves al of the stationary frame 100. Thebayonet protrusions E1 of the first rotary frame 210 are engaged withthe bayonet groove e1 of the first rectilinear frame 110. Therefore, thefirst rectilinear frame 110 is movable rectilinearly in the optical axisdirection along with the first rotary frame 210.

The rectilinear cam followers AB2 of the second rectilinear frame 120are inserted into the cam grooves b2 of the first rotary frame 210, andare engaged with the rectilinear grooves a2 of the first rectilinearframe 110. Therefore, the second rectilinear frame 120 is movablerectilinearly in the optical axis direction according to the rotation ofthe first rotary frame 210.

The rectilinear protrusions A3 of the second rotary frame 220 areengaged with the rectilinear grooves a3 of the first rotary frame 210.The bayonet protrusions E2 of the second rotary frame 220 are engagedwith the bayonet groove e2 of the second rectilinear frame 120.Therefore, the second rotary frame 220 is movable in the optical axisdirection along with the second rectilinear frame 120 while rotating inthe peripheral direction along with the first rotary frame 210.

The latching portions 122 of the second rectilinear frame 120 arelatched to the latching recesses 133 of the third rectilinear frame 130.The bayonet protrusions E3 of the third rectilinear frame 130 areengaged with the bayonet grooves e3 of the second rotary frame 220. Thespacing of at least two of the three rectilinear protrusions A3 of thesecond rotary frame 220 is approximately 120° or more, the spacing ofthe two latching portions 122 of the second rectilinear frame 120 isapproximately 120° or more, and the relative rotational angle betweenthese during zoom drive is approximately 120° or less. Accordingly, thethird rectilinear frame 130 is movable rectilinearly in the optical axisdirection along with the second rectilinear frame 120 withoutinterfering with the rotation of the second rotary frame 220.

One of the two latching portions 122 is formed longer in the peripheraldirection than the other one, and correspondingly, one of the latchingrecesses 133 is formed longer in the peripheral direction than the otherone, but the third rectilinear frame 130 is preferably made longer inthe peripheral direction to the extent that it does not interfere withthe rotation of the second rotary frame 220.

The spacing of at least two of the three rectilinear protrusions A3 ofthe second rotary frame 220 is approximately 150°, the spacing of thetwo latching portions 122 of the second rectilinear frame 120 isapproximately 150°, and the relative rotational angle between theseduring zoom drive is approximately 150° or less. Therefore, the thirdrectilinear frame 130 does not interfere with the rotation of the secondrotary frame 220. The same applies to the other angles.

The rectilinear protrusions A4 of the first lens group frame 310 areengaged with the rectilinear grooves a4 of the second rectilinear frame120. Also, the cam protrusions B3 of the first lens group frame 310 areengaged with the cam grooves b3 of the second rotary frame 220.Therefore, the first lens group frame 310 is movable rectilinearly inthe optical axis direction according to the rotation of the secondrotary frame 220.

The rectilinear protrusions A5 of the second lens group frame 320 areengaged with the rectilinear grooves a5 of the third rectilinear frame130. Also, the cam protrusions B4 of the second lens group frame 320 areengaged with the cam grooves b4 of the second rotary frame 220.Therefore, the second lens group frame 320 is movable rectilinearly inthe optical axis direction according to the rotation of the secondrotary frame 220.

The rectilinear protrusions A6 of the shutter frame 335 are engaged withthe rectilinear grooves a6 of the third rectilinear frame 130. Also, thecam protrusions B5 of the shutter frame 335 are engaged with the camgrooves b5 of the second rotary frame 220. Therefore, the shutter frame335 is movable rectilinearly in the optical axis direction according tothe rotation of the second rotary frame 220.

The third lens group frame 330 is mounted to the shutter frame 335, andwhen the shutter frame 335 moves rectilinearly in the optical axisdirection with respect to the third rectilinear frame 130, theretracting lens frame 401 of the third lens group frame 330 is rotatedby a retraction mechanism (the guide groove a7 of the third rectilinearframe 130 and the driven portion 411 of the retracting lens frame 401).Consequently, in a transition from the retracted state to the imagingenabled state, the retracting lens frame 401 moves from its retractedposition to a correction enabled position. Also, in a transition fromthe imaging enabled state to the retracted state, the retracting lensframe 401 moves from the correction enabled position to the retractedposition. When the retracting lens frame 401 is disposed in thecorrection enabled position, the third lens group L3 is movable within aplane perpendicular to the optical axis. That is, image blur correctionis possible in this state.

Thus, the rotation of the first rotary frame 210 and the second rotaryframe 220 under the drive force of the zoom motor 241 results inrectilinear motion of the lens group frames 310, 320, and 335 and thefirst to third rectilinear frames 110 to 130.

Method for Assembling the Lens Barrel 20

The method for assembling the lens barrel 20 will now be described.

First, the third rectilinear frame 130 is inserted from the rear of thesecond rotary frame 220. The third rectilinear frame 130 is then rotatedin the peripheral direction into the telephoto state.

Next, the second lens group frame 320 is inserted from the rear of thethird rectilinear frame 130.

Next, the retracting lens frame 401 is inserted from the front of theOIS frame 400, and the retracting lens frame 401 is rotatably attachedto the OIS frame 400.

Next, the OIS frame 400 is inserted from the front of the shutter frame335.

Next, the shutter frame 335 is inserted from the rear of the thirdrectilinear frame 130. The second rotary frame 220 is then rotated inthe peripheral direction into the retracted state.

Next, the second rotary frame 220 is inserted from the rear of the firstlens group frame 310.

Next, the second rectilinear frame 120 is installed from the front ofthe first lens group frame 310.

Next, the first rotary frame 210 is inserted from the rear of the firstrectilinear frame 110. The second rectilinear frame 120 is then insertedfrom the rear of the first rotary frame 210.

Next, the first rectilinear frame 110 is inserted from the rear of thestationary frame 100.

Finally, the first rotary frame 210 is rotated with respect to thestationary frame 100 into the retracted state.

Operation and Orientation of Retracting Lens Frame

The operation and orientation of the retracting lens frame 401 will nowbe described in detail.

When the lens barrel 20 transitions from the imaging enabled state tothe retracted state, the retracting lens frame 401 is moved by aretraction mechanism (the guide groove a7 of the third rectilinear frame130 and the driven portion 411 of the retracting lens frame 401) fromthe correction enabled position to the retracted position. Specifically,the retraction mechanism changes the orientation of the retracting lensframe 401 between an imaging enabled state and a retracted state. Whenthe lens barrel 20 transitions from the retracted state to the imagingenabled state, the above operation is performed in reverse to change theorientation of the retracting lens frame 401 between the imaging enabledstate and the retracted state.

The retraction mechanism will now be described in detail. The retractinglens frame 401 moves relatively in the optical axis direction withrespect to the third rectilinear frame 130 from the imaging enabledstate to the retracted state. In the course of this transition from theimaging enabled state to the retracted state, the driven portion 411engages with the guide groove a7 and moves along the path of the guidegroove a7. The guide groove a7 is a cam mechanism formed in the innerface of the third rectilinear frame 130. The driven portion 411 is a camfollower. As shown in FIG. 42A, a portion (sloped part) that is slopedwith respect to the optical axis and a portion (parallel part) that isparallel to the optical axis are formed on the guide groove a7. When thedriven portion 411 moves along this sloped part, the retracting lensframe 401 rotates around the retraction shaft 50 lb. The retracting lensframe 401 transitions between an image blur correction position and aretracted position by rotating around the retraction shaft 501 b.

The retracting lens frame 401 integrally engages with the OIS frame 400in the optical axis direction, and the OIS frame 400 integrally engageswith the shutter frame 335 in the optical axis direction. Accordingly,the movement of the retracting lens frame 401 with respect to the thirdrectilinear frame 130 in the optical axis direction is the same as themovement of the shutter frame 335 with respect to the third rectilinearframe 130 in the optical axis direction. The rectilinear protrusions A6of the shutter frame 335 are engaged with the rectilinear grooves a6 ofthe third rectilinear frame 130. Also, the cam protrusions B5 of theshutter frame 335 are engaged with the cam grooves b5 of the secondrotary frame 220. Therefore, the shutter frame 335 is movablerectilinearly in the optical axis direction according to the rotation ofthe second rotary frame 220.

The OIS frame 400 supported by the shutter frame 335 is centered by thethird rectilinear frame 130 before the retracting lens frame 401 beginsto retract. For example, if there is a transition from the imagingenabled state to the housed state, when the shutter frame 335 movesrectilinearly in the optical axis direction, the shunting protrusions404 of the OIS frame 400 supported by the shutter frame 335 are matedwith the shunting grooves a9 of the third rectilinear frame 130 from theflange 132 side of the third rectilinear frame 130. When the shutterframe 335 then moves rectilinearly further in the optical axisdirection, the shunting protrusions 404 are pressed by the shuntinggrooves a9, and the OIS frame 400 is restricted with respect to theshutter frame 335. Thus, the centering of the OIS frame 400 is executedbefore the retracting lens frame 401 begins its retraction operation.

When the retracting lens frame 401 supported by the shutter frame 335moves from the image blur correction enabled position to the retractedposition, the retracting lens frame 401 is rotated by a retractionmechanism consisting of the driven portion 411 of the retracting lensframe 401 and the guide groove a7 of the third rectilinear frame mainbody 131, on the inside of the third rectilinear frame main body 131.During this time, the retracting lens frame 401 and the second lenssupport 321L of the second lens frame 320 move closer together. Thepositioning portion 412 of the retracting lens frame 401 is then guidedby the guide portion 322 a of the second lens frame 320 and comes intocontact with the support portion 322 b (see FIG. 50A). Consequently, ina state of having come into contact with the support portion 322 b ofthe second lens frame 320, the retracting lens frame 401 is housed inthe space of the second lens frame 320, that is, in the space betweenthe second lens support 321L and the outer peripheral face 320T. Morespecifically, the retracting lens frame 401 is supported and housed in astate of being in contact with the support portion 322 b of the secondlens frame 320 within the space on the outside in the radial directionof the second lens group L2.

At this point, the second linking portion 408 of the OIS frame 400 ishoused in the first housing portion 323 a of the second lens frame 320,and the retraction shaft 501 b is housed in the second housing portion323 b of the second lens frame 320 (see FIGS. 45A to 45C).

Also, at this point, the first linking portion 407 of the OIS frame 400is housed in the thinner part 350 of the face of the shutter frame mainbody 336 on the front side in the optical axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 50B, in this state, the second lens support 321L of thesecond lens frame 320 is housed in the space ST of the OIS frame 400(see FIG. 47A).

Also, in this state, one end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted to theOIS frame 400, and the other end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted tothe retracting lens frame 401. Consequently, the retracting lens frame401 and the OIS frame 400 are clamped and positioned in the optical axisdirection by the thrust spring 402.

Also, in this state, the third lens support 420 of the retracting lensframe 401 is disposed between the first linking portion 407 and thesecond linking portion 408. Also, the first engagement portion 413 a(first engagement portion) near the drive axis of the retracting lensframe 401 is disposed between the first restrictor 337 a and the OISframe 400. Consequently, as discussed above, movement of the retractinglens frame 401 in the optical axis direction is restricted in the eventthat a powerful force (such as when the camera is dropped) is exerted inthe optical axis direction.

Also, in this state, the cut-out 420 a formed in the third lens support420 of the retracting lens frame 401 is disposed opposite the lightblocking portion 357 of the shutter frame 335. Also, the opening 356 inthe shutter frame 335 houses the part 420 b of the third lens support420.

Meanwhile, when the lens barrel is in the imaging enabled state, thebearing 410 of the retracting lens frame 401 is mated with theretraction shaft 501 b of the OIS frame 400, and the contact portion 414of the retracting lens frame 401 comes into contact with theanti-rotation portion 511 of the OIS frame 400, which positions theretracting lens frame 401 with respect to the OIS frame 400 (see FIG.46A).

Also, in this state, one end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted to theOIS frame 400, and the other end of the thrust spring 402 is mounted tothe retracting lens frame 401. Consequently, the retracting lens frame401 and the OIS frame 400 are clamped and positioned by the thrustspring 402 in the optical axis direction.

Also, in this state, image blur correction on the OIS frame 400 can beaccomplished by using the third lens group L3 of the retracting lensframe 401.

Also, in this state, the first engagement portion 413 a (firstengagement portion) near the drive axis of the retracting lens frame 401is disposed between the first restrictor 337 a and the OIS frame 400.Consequently, as discussed above, movement of the retracting lens frame401 in the optical axis direction is restricted in the event that apowerful force (such as when the camera is dropped) is exerted in theoptical axis direction.

Action and Effect

(1) This lens barrel 20 comprises the shutter frame 335, the OIS frame400, and the retracting lens frame 401. The OIS frame 400 is supportedby the shutter frame 335, and is movable within a plane that isperpendicular to the optical axis with respect to the shutter frame 335.The retracting lens frame 401 is supported by the OIS frame 400, andmoves around the retraction shaft 501 b, which is substantially parallelto the optical axis, during the transition period between the imagingenabled state and the housed state. The shutter frame 335 has theshutter frame main body 336 and the first restrictor 337 a (an exampleof a first restrictor). The first restrictor 337 a is provided aspecific distance away from the shutter frame main body 336. Theretracting lens frame 401 has the first engagement portion 413 a thatengages with the first restrictor 337 a. Because the first engagementportion 413 a is disposed between the shutter frame main body 336 andthe first restrictor 337 a, movement of the retracting lens frame 401 inthe optical axis direction is restricted.

Thus, with this lens barrel 20, movement of the retracting lens frame401 in the optical axis direction is restricted by the first restrictor337 a in the imaging enabled state. Accordingly, even if the lens barrelis subjected to an impact force, such as when the camera is dropped,movement of the retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis directionis restricted. Specifically, the retracting lens frame 401 is reliablysupported with respect to the OIS frame 400. That is, the retractinglens frame 401 is operated stably.

(2) With this lens barrel 20, the first restrictor 337 a is formed nearthe retraction shaft 501 b. The OIS frame 400 has the second linkingportion 408, which is formed away from the retraction shaft 501 b. Theretracting lens frame 401 further has a second engagement portion 337 bthat engages with the second linking portion 408 during the transitionperiod between the imaging enabled state and the housed state.

Thus, with this lens barrel 20, movement of the retracting lens frame401 in the optical axis direction is restricted by the first restrictor337 a in the imaging enabled state. Also, in the housed state, movementof the retracting lens frame 401 in the optical axis direction isrestricted by the first restrictor 337 a and the second linking portion408. Accordingly, even if the lens barrel is subjected to an impactforce, such as when the camera is dropped, movement of the retractinglens frame 401 in the optical axis direction is reliably restricted bythe above-mentioned configuration. Specifically, the retracting lensframe 401 is more reliably supported with respect to the OIS frame 400.That is, the retracting lens frame 401 is operated more stably.

Other Embodiments

(A) In the above embodiment, the lens barrel 20 had a three-stagetelescoping design made up of the first rectilinear frame 110, thesecond rectilinear frame 120, and the first lens group frame 310, butthis is not the only option. The lens barrel 20 may instead have atwo-stage telescoping design made up of the first rectilinear frame 110and the second rectilinear frame 120. In this case, the lens barrel 20need not comprise the second rotary frame 220 or the third rectilinearframe 130. The lens barrel 20 may also have a four-stage or highertelescoping design.

(B) In the above embodiment, the cam grooves b were formed on one of twoframes, and the cam protrusions B were formed on the other frame, butthis is not the only option. The frames on which the cam protrusions Band the cam grooves b are formed may be switched around. Also, the camgrooves b and the cam protrusions B may both be formed in each of thetwo frames.

(C) In the above embodiment, the rectilinear grooves a were formed inone of two frames, and the rectilinear protrusions A were formed in theother frame, but this is not the only option. The frames on which therectilinear protrusions A and the rectilinear grooves a are formed maybe switched around. Also, the rectilinear grooves a and the rectilinearprotrusions A may both be formed in each of the two frames.

(D) In the above embodiment, the bayonet grooves e were formed in one oftwo frames, and the bayonet protrusions E were formed in the otherframe, but this is not the only option. The frames on which the bayonetprotrusions E and the bayonet grooves e are formed may be switchedaround. Also, the bayonet grooves e and the bayonet protrusions E mayboth be formed in each of the two frames.

(E) In the above embodiment, the third lens group frame 330 wasretracted toward the second lens group frame 320 in the retracted state,but this is not the only option. The third lens group frame 330 may bedisposed to the rear of the second lens group frame 320 in the retractedstate.

(F) In the above embodiment, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 56A,the other end 403 b of the rotary spring 403 is formed so as to extendaway from the axis KJ of the coil part at a position of 90 degrees withreference to the axis KJ of the coil part of the rotary spring 403 (theaxis of the coil part, the axis of the retraction shaft 501 b). Instead,as shown by the solid line in FIG. 56A, the other end 403 b′ of therotary spring 403 may be formed so as to extend away from the axis KJ ofthe coil part at a position of greater than 90 degrees with reference tothe axis KJ of the coil part.

In this case, just as in the above embodiment, if the rotary spring 403is mounted to the OIS frame 400 and the retracting lens frame 401, theforce FP at which the retracting lens frame 401 is pressed against theOIS frame 400 is generated, as shown in FIG. 56B. This allows the threefirst contact portions 603A (603A1, 603A2, and 603A3) of the retractinglens frame 401 to be reliably brought into contact by the OIS frame 400.

(G) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which, when thesecond rotary frame 220 (third frame body) rotated, the shutter frame335 and the OIS frame 400 (second frame body) moved in the optical axisdirection with respect to the third rectilinear frame 130 (first framebody) via the third rectilinear frame 130 (first frame body).

Instead, the first and second frame bodies may be configured to becapable of relative rotation, and the second and third frame bodies maybe configured to be incapable of relative rotation. In this case, thethrough-groove of the first frame body extends in the optical axisdirection and the peripheral direction.

With this configuration, when the first frame body rotates, the secondframe body (such as the shutter frame 335 and/or the OIS frame 400) andthe retracting lens frame moves in the direction of the guide grove ofthe third frame body, such as the optical axis direction. Also, at thispoint the retracting lens frame 401 moves in a direction perpendicularto the optical axis, with respect to the second frame body.

Thus, even when the lens barrel 20 is configured so that the secondframe body, such as the shutter frame 335 and/or the OIS frame 400,moves in the optical axis direction with respect to the third framebody, the driven portion 411 and the guide groove a7 are provided, andthe retracting lens frame 401 is operated, just as in the aboveembodiment. This gives the same effect as above.

(H) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which theanti-rotation portion 511 of the OIS frame 400 was formed in a concaveshape, and the upper face of the second contact portion 603B of theretracting lens frame 401 came into contact with the recess 512.Instead, as shown in FIG. 57, the second contact portion 603B of theretracting lens frame 401 may come into contact with two side faces 512a′ of a recess 512′ of an anti-rotation portion 511′. In this case, thetwo side faces 512 a′ of the recess 512′ are inclined and opposite eachother. More specifically, the two side faces 512 a′ of the recess 512′are formed so as to move closer together toward the bottom 512 b′ of therecess 512′. Consequently, the retracting lens frame 401 is be morereliably positioned with respect to the OIS frame 400.

General Interpretation of Terms

In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe theabove embodiment(s), the following directional terms “forward”,“rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and“transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of the lens barrel. Accordingly, these terms, asutilized to describe the present technology should be interpretedrelative to the lens barrel.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section,or part of a device implies the existence of other unclaimed orunmentioned components, sections, members or parts of the device tocarry out a desired function.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent technology, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the technology as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting eachother can have intermediate structures disposed between them. Thefunctions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. Thestructures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further technologies bythe applicant, including the structural and/or functional conceptsembodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of theembodiments according to the present technologies are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the technology asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The technology disclosed herein can be widely applied to lens barrels.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lens barrel, comprising: a first frame body including a groove formed along a direction substantially parallel to an optical axis on an inner circumferential surface; a second frame body configured to be engaged by the first frame body; a support frame configured to be supported by the second frame body and move with respect to the second frame body within a first plane for image blur correction in an imaging enabled state, the first plane being perpendicular to an optical axis, the support frame having a protrusion protruding outwardly in a radial direction; and a retracting lens frame configured to be supported by the support frame and move around a retraction shaft during a transition period between an imaging enabled state and a housed state, the retraction shaft being substantially parallel to the optical axis, the second frame body, the support frame, and the retracting lens frame are configured to move in the optical axis direction with respect to the first frame body during the transition period between the imaging enabled state and the housed state, and the protrusion comes into contact with the groove and restricts a movable range of the support frame in the first plane so that the movable range of the support frame in the transition period is narrower than the movable range in the imaging enabled state, and the protrusion engages the groove to restrict a movement of the support frame within a second plane that is parallel to the first plane, during the transition period between the imaging enabled state and the housed state.
 2. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the first plane is a plane in the imaging enabled state, and the second plane is a plane in the transition period between the imaging enabled state and the housed state, and the first plane and the second plane is disposed on a different position in the optical direction with respect to the first frame body.
 3. The lens barrel according to claim 2, wherein the groove includes a first groove having a first width and a second groove having a second width which is smaller than the first width in a circumferential direction, and the protrusion comes into contact with the first groove to make the movable range of the support frame to be narrower, and the protrusion comes into engagement with the second groove to restrict the movable range of the support frame, during the transition period between the imaging enabled state and the housed state.
 4. The lens barrel according to claim 2, wherein the groove includes a first groove having a first depth and a second groove having a second depth which is smaller than the first depth in a radial direction, and the protrusion comes into contact with the first groove to make the movable range of the support frame to be narrower, and the protrusion comes into engagement with the second groove to restrict the movable range of the support frame, during the transition period between the imaging enabled state and the housed state.
 5. The lens barrel according to claim 3, the groove further includes a third groove having a width that is larger than the first width in the circumferential direction, the movable range within the first plane for image blur correction in a range of the support frame is restricted to a range in which the protrusion comes into contact with the third groove in the imaging enabled state.
 6. The lens barrel according to claim 4, the groove further includes a fourth groove having a depth that is larger than the first depth in the radial direction, the movable range within the first plane for image blur correction in a range of the support frame is restricted to a range in which the protrusion comes into contact with the fourth groove in the imaging enabled state. 